The Cubs and Cards will stick a fork in their series this afternoon as both teams go for the win in the all-important rubber match. The flaming-hot Jon Lester will be vying for his 17th win as he matches up against Carlos Martinez, who has not been pitching so bad himself.
- The total has gone UNDER in the Cardinals' last 5 games at home.
- The Cubs are 9-3 in their last 12 games against their division.
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of the Cubs' last 7 games during the afternoon.
Chicago’s starting rotation is so good right now that it’s almost not fair. Lester has been one of the best starters in the majors since the all-star break and has given up two or fewer runs in eight straight starts. The Cubs have won nine of the last 10 games started by Lester, six of those being by two runs or more – making the Cubs an excellent runline bet when the lefty is on the bump.
The Cardinals have won five straight in games started by Martinez as he’s given up two or fewer runs in all of those starts. Like Lester, Martinez has earned just one loss in his last 10 games. It looks like we’re in for a good old-fashioned pitchers’ duel in this one.
One thing to look out for tonight is Martinez’ WHIP, which is not the best at 1.21. He was lucky to escape his last two starts with wins as he gave up a total of 16 hits and six walks. If he lets the Cubbies get on base with that frequency, he will get punished – Chicago has the third-most runs in the league when they have runners in scoring position.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to pick the visiting Chicago Cubs before the first pitch in this match found them as -136 moneyline favorites earlier today at Sportsbook. They saw the over/under total of 7.5 earlier at Sportsbook.
Odds Shark prediction models pick the Cubs to win this game 3.7-1.8. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming MLB matchups here.
Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The St. Louis Cardinals bring a 76-68 record to the battle against the 92-52 Cubs. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and St. Louis vs Chicago injuries news.
This game matches up the No. 18 (St. Louis Cardinals) and the No. 6 (Chicago Cubs) teams, according to our current MLB Power Rankings.
Statistical Matchup
Rating these teams in several key categories is important for handicappers and St. Louis has baseball's No. 5-rated offensive output, at 8.74 hits per game. The Chicago Cubs average 8.6 hits per game, good for No. 19 on the list.
St. Louis owns the No. 12 defense, allowing 4.88 men per game to cross the plate. That contrasts with Chicago's No. 1-rated defense.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Chicago looks to rebound from a loss to the Cardinals, who beat them 4-2 on Tuesday behind a start from J Garcia at Busch Stadium.
- Chi Cubs is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games
- Chi Cubs is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games on the road
- St. Louis is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games
- St. Louis is 4-16 ATS in its last 20 games at home
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Chicago home to Milwaukee, Thursday, September 15th
St. Louis at San Francisco, Thursday, September 15th
