The Philadelphia Phillies answered a recent three-game losing streak by rattling off three wins in a row. Philly visits the Chicago Cubs on Monday in the opener of a four-game series between the NL division leaders. Sportsbooks opened the Cubs as -135 home favorites.
Standout Stats
- Phillies slugger Bryce Harper went 5-for-12 to push his batting average to .235 in a three-game set vs Colorado over the weekend. Harper recorded two doubles, two home runs and six RBIs in the Phillies’ sweep of the Rockies.
- Jake Arrieta is set to get the ball for the Phillies to face his old team. Arrieta (4-4, 4.02 ERA) is looking to end his three-game winless streak after giving up nine runs – eight earned – over 11 innings in his last two outings (both losses).
- Yu Darvish will counter for the Cubbies. Darvish (2-3, 5.14) struck out a season-high 11 batters while surrendering two runs and five hits over 5.1 innings of work in a no-decision against Cincinnati on Wednesday. The 32-year-old is 0-1 with a 6.38 ERA at home this season.
- Chicago improved to 10-1-1 in its last 12 series with a 6-5 victory over Washington on Sunday. Anthony Rizzo belted a solo homer while Kris Bryant knocked in his sixth run in three tilts.
- When the Phillies and Cubs collide in the Windy City, high-scoring affairs tend to follow. The OVER is 5-2 in the past seven meetings between the Phillies and Cubs.
My Best Bet for Phillies-Cubs
Phillies moneyline
The Phillies, who were available at +125 at Sportsbook as of this writing, look to be in a prime spot tonight in my eyes. Darvish has been brutal at home, while Arrieta will have no shortage of motivation against his old club.
The Cubs are playing excellent baseball right now, yet I think the Phillies march into Wrigley Field and come away with a victory in this one.
The OVER is 5-2 in the last seven meetings between the Cubs and Phillies in Chicago. The Phillies are 1-4 SU in their last five meetings with the Cubs. The Phillies are 1-4 SU in Jake Arrieta’s last five starts.away
