The MLB regular season is winding down, which means a number of things. The leaves will soon change color and fall. Time is running out for some to watch their favorite club. And the most competitive portion of the schedule is near.
The sand in the playoff hourglass has run out for one of the teams in the matchup we’ll break down below. The other is clinging dearly to a National League Wild Card spot.
The Chicago Cubs, who have had a down season after losing a number of key players from their world championship run, will host the Philadelphia Phillies for the middle contest of a three-game set.
Let’s run through our Phillies vs Cubs betting analysis and do our best to make you some money wagering on this clash.
Cubs and Phillies’ Previous Records
The Cubbies (68-86) came away with a 2-1 victory in the opener of this bill, maybe because of the luck of having Sister Jean, of the fame from Loyola-Chicago’s run in March Madness a few years ago, in the house.
Chicago catcher Yan Gomes and center fielder Christopher Morel notched RBIs in the win over the Phillies (83-70).
Philly’s lone run came in the top of the sixth when reigning league MVP Bryce Harper doubled in shortstop Bryson Stott.
For the hosts, pitcher Marcus Stroman went seven frames, allowing one earned run and striking out six.
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Analysis
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs will likely finish in third place in the NL Central, which won’t do them much good. They’re eliminated from postseason contention because they couldn’t keep up with the likes of rival St. Louis or Milwaukee.
Cubs’ Stats
In looking at the Cubs’ stats on the field, shortstop Nico Hoerner sports a .288 batting average. Third baseman Patrick Wisdom has clubbed 25 homers, while left fielder Ian Happ has 70 runs driven in and a .342 on-base percentage.
Hayden Wesneski is slated to take the mound in this one. He has a 2.45 ERA and a 0.82 WHIP over four appearances this year.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are trying to fend off Milwaukee, who’s only 1.5 games behind in the battle for the Senior Circuit’s final Wild Card spot.
Helping the Phillies odds are third baseman Alec Bohm, who’s hitting .290, and left fielder Kyle Schwarber, with 42 dingers. He also has 87 RBIs. Backstop J.T. Realmuto owns a .345 on-base percentage.
Aaron Nola, who’s 10-12 in 2022, will make the start on the rubber. He has a 3.28 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP.
MLB Injury Report
To have a full Phillies vs Cubs betting analysis, you’ll need both teams’ injury reports. As it pertains to position players, Chicago is currently missing the second baseman Nick Madrigal, who’s probably out for the rest of the campaign with a groin injury.
Joining him are outfielders Rafael Ortega and Jason Heyward, both on the 60-day injured list. Shortstop Edmundo Sosa and center fielder Simon Muzziotti are out for Philly.
Cubs vs. Phillies Betting Preview
Now that you’ve seen the Phillies vs Cubs betting analysis, let’s take a quick look at what each team’s betting numbers are today.
The oddsmakers favor the guests to win this one. Philly is -1.5 on the run line at -108, while the Cubs are -111 to cover the spread.
On the moneyline, the Phillies are -194 and Chicago a +162 underdog. The total has been set at 6.5 runs, with the over being -122 and the under +100 at the time of this writing.
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Betting Prediction
This might be one of the no-brainers in terms of MLB matchups today. The guests have an effective hurler taking the hill, with a lot more to play for than the Cubs.
Go with the Phillies to cover the spread in this one, as they hope to cling to that final Wild Card spot and then make a run into late October.
MLB Pick: Phillies -1.5 (-110)
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