Introduction to the Series
The Chicago Cubs are set to host the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game series, with the first game scheduled for Friday at 1:20 p.m. CDT. The Cubs, currently second in the NL Central with an 89-70 record, will face off against the Cardinals, who are fourth in the NL Central with a 78-81 record.
Team Statistics and Probable Pitchers
The Cubs have a strong home record, standing at 47-31, and their hitters are batting a collective .249, ranking eighth in the NL. On the other hand, the Cardinals have struggled on the road, with a 34-44 record, and have gone 38-62 in games where they have given up at least one home run. The probable pitchers for the first game are Miles Mikolas (8-10, 4.76 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 96 strikeouts) for the Cardinals and Colin Rea (10-7, 4.10 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 120 strikeouts) for the Cubs.
Betting Odds and Series Overview
The BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE has the Cubs favored at -179, with the Cardinals at +149, and the over/under is set at 9 runs. This series marks the 11th meeting between the two teams this season, with the season series currently tied 5-5. The Cubs will look to capitalize on their home advantage, while the Cardinals will aim to improve their road record.
Top Performers and Recent Games
Michael Busch leads the Cubs with 58 extra base hits, including 23 doubles, four triples, and 31 home runs. Matt Shaw has been on a hot streak, going 10 for 34 with two doubles, two home runs, and three RBIs over the past 10 games. For the Cardinals, Ivan Herrera has 13 doubles and 19 home runs, while Alec Burleson is 16 for 38 with four doubles and a home run over the last 10 games. The Cubs have gone 4-6 in their last 10 games, with a .249 batting average and a 3.56 ERA, outscoring their opponents by five runs. The Cardinals have gone 6-4 in their last 10 games, with a .264 batting average and a 3.50 ERA, also outscoring their opponents by five runs.
Injuries and Roster Updates
Both teams have several players dealing with injuries. The Cubs have Cade Horton listed as day-to-day with a back injury, while Owen Caissie is on the 7-Day IL with a concussion. Kyle Tucker is on the 10-Day IL with a calf injury, and Ryan Brasier is on the 15-Day IL with a groin injury. The Cardinals have Willson Contreras on the 10-Day IL with a shoulder injury, and Masyn Winn is also on the 10-Day IL with a meniscus injury.
Conclusion
The series between the Cubs and Cardinals promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the NL Central standings. The Cubs will rely on their strong home record and the performance of their top hitters, while the Cardinals will aim to improve their road record and spoil the Cubs’ chances. With several players dealing with injuries, both teams will need to adapt and make adjustments to come out on top.
FAQs
- Q: What is the current record of the Chicago Cubs?
A: The Chicago Cubs have an 89-70 record overall and a 47-31 record at home. - Q: Who are the probable pitchers for the first game of the series?
A: The probable pitchers are Miles Mikolas for the Cardinals and Colin Rea for the Cubs. - Q: What is the current state of the season series between the Cubs and Cardinals?
A: The season series is currently tied 5-5. - Q: Which players are dealing with injuries for the Cubs and Cardinals?
A: The Cubs have Cade Horton, Owen Caissie, Kyle Tucker, Ryan Brasier, and Justin Steele dealing with injuries, while the Cardinals have Willson Contreras, Masyn Winn, and Zack Thompson on the injured list. - Q: What are the betting odds for the first game of the series?
A: The BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE has the Cubs favored at -179, with the Cardinals at +149, and the over/under is set at 9 runs.St. Louis Cardinals (78-81, fourth in the NL Central) vs. Chicago Cubs (89-70, second in the NL Central)
Chicago; Friday, 1:20 p.m. CDT
PITCHING PROBABLES: Cardinals: Miles Mikolas (8-10, 4.76 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 96 strikeouts); Cubs: Colin Rea (10-7, 4.10 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 120 strikeouts)
BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Cubs -179, Cardinals +149; over/under is 9 runs
BOTTOM LINE: The Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals to open a three-game series.Chicago has a 47-31 record at home and an 89-70 record overall. Cubs hitters are batting a collective .249, which ranks eighth in the NL.
St. Louis has a 34-44 record in road games and a 78-81 record overall. The Cardinals have gone 38-62 in games when they have given up at least one home run.The teams meet Friday for the 11th time this season. The season series is tied 5-5.TOP PERFORMERS: Michael Busch ranks third on the Cubs with 58 extra base hits (23 doubles, four triples and 31 home runs). Matt Shaw is 10 for 34 with two doubles, two home runs and three RBIs over the past 10 games.Ivan Herrera has 13 doubles and 19 home runs for the Cardinals. Alec Burleson is 16 for 38 with four doubles and a home run over the last 10 games.LAST 10 GAMES: Cubs: 4-6, .249 batting average, 3.56 ERA, outscored opponents by five runsCardinals: 6-4, .264 batting average, 3.50 ERA, outscored opponents by five runsINJURIES: Cubs: Cade Horton: day-to-day (back), Owen Caissie: 7-Day IL (concussion), Kyle Tucker: 10-Day IL (calf), Ryan Brasier: 15-Day IL (groin), Miguel Amaya: 10-Day IL (ankle), Justin Steele: 60-Day IL (elbow)Cardinals: Willson Contreras: 10-Day IL (shoulder), Masyn Winn: 10-Day IL (meniscus), Zack Thompson: 60-Day IL (lat)
