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EASY EASY Money on this Spread - Cubs vs Athletics 9/18
EASY EASY Money on this Spread - Cubs vs Athletics 9/18
As we gear up for the exciting matchup between the Chicago Cubs and the Oakland Athletics on September 18, our focus turns to the spreads in this game. The Cubs are currently favored at -1.5, while the Athletics are at +1.5. In this article, we will delve into the game summary, odds and betting lines, pitching probables, team previews, and ultimately our betting prediction.
Game Summary
The Chicago Cubs will host the Oakland Athletics at the iconic Wrigley Field in Chicago on September 18. This game is pivotal as both teams are looking to improve their standings as the season approaches its climax. The Cubs currently hold a record of 77-74, battling for a wild card spot in the postseason. Their recent form has been inconsistent, but they have shown flashes of brilliance, especially at home where they sport a 39-34 record. The Cubs have a strong lineup, including players like Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki, who have been crucial in their offense.
On the other hand, the Oakland Athletics, with a record of 66-86, are having a tough season. They sit at the bottom of the AL West division and have struggled on the road with a 30-47 record. The Athletics have shown some resilience lately, winning a few games they were not expected to, but consistency has been their Achilles' heel. With players like Brent Rooker leading the way, they will look to upset the Cubs in their own backyard. The pitching matchup is one to watch as Justin Steele (Cubs) takes the mound against Brady Basso (Athletics). Steele has had a solid season with a 3.09 ERA and 131 strikeouts, while Basso has been a bright spot for the Athletics with a stellar ERA of 1.23 over his limited innings. This game is crucial for the Cubs, who need to secure every win to keep their postseason hopes alive. The history between these two teams shows that while the Cubs have had the upper hand in recent matchups, the Athletics are capable of pulling off surprises. The atmosphere at Wrigley Field is always electric, and fans will be expecting a thrilling encounter.Odds and Betting Lines
| Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs Spread | -1.5 (+130) |
| Oakland Athletics Spread | +1.5 (-156) |
Pitching Probables
| Pitcher | W-L | ERA | WHIP | IP | K | BB | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Steele (CHC) | 5-5 | 3.09 | 1.09 | 128.0 | 131 | 34 | 11 |
| Brady Basso (OAK) | 1-0 | 1.23 | 0.89 | 14.2 | 11 | 2 | 1 |
Team Previews
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have been a mixed bag this season, showcasing moments of brilliance coupled with frustrating inconsistencies. Their hitting has been average, standing at .243, but their total runs scored (692) indicates they can produce offense when needed. The lineup features standout players like Ian Happ, who leads the team with 25 home runs and 85 RBIs, and Seiya Suzuki, boasting a .278 batting average. The Cubs pitching staff, led by Steele, is respectable with a team ERA of 3.80. The bullpen has been somewhat erratic, but with Steele on the mound, the Cubs will feel confident in their chances.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics have struggled significantly this season, with a .235 batting average and only 609 runs scored, which ranks them near the bottom of the league. Brent Rooker has been a bright spot, hitting .302 with 38 home runs and 109 RBIs. However, the overall team performance has been overshadowed by their pitching woes, with a team ERA of 4.35. Basso's emergence as a strong pitcher is a positive sign, but the team still faces challenges in securing wins. The Athletics' fielding has also been subpar, contributing to their struggles on the road.
Team Injuries
Chicago Cubs
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Steele | SP | Elbow | Expected to be out until at least Sep 18 |
Oakland Athletics
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Esteury Ruiz | LF | Wrist | Out for the season |
Betting Trends
- The Cubs are 5-2 against the spread in their last 7 games.
- The Athletics have covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games.
- The Cubs have a strong home record against teams with losing records.
- The total has gone over in 4 of the Cubs' last 5 games.
- The Athletics are 1-5 in their last 6 games against the Cubs.
Recent Games
Chicago Cubs
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Pittsburgh | L5-3 | L |
| vs Pittsburgh | L5-0 | L |
| vs Pittsburgh | W12-0 | W |
| vs New York | L3-0 | L |
| vs New York | L2-0 | L |
Oakland Athletics
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Seattle | W5-4 | W |
| vs Seattle | W3-2 | W |
| vs Seattle | L16-3 | L |
| vs Seattle | L6-4 | L |
| vs Detroit | W7-6 | W |
Team Rankings
| Category | Chicago Cubs | Oakland Athletics |
|---|---|---|
| Hitting | 15th | 25th |
| Starting Pitching | 9th | 24th |
| Relief Pitching | Tied-23rd | Tied-26th |
| Fielding | Tied-23rd | 13th |
Significant Betting Stats
- The Cubs are 40-34 at home this season.
- The Athletics have a poor road record of 30-47.
- Chicago is 7-3 in their last 10 games against Oakland.
- The Athletics have lost 10 of their last 12 games.
- The Cubs have a +84 run differential compared to the Athletics' -121.
- Chicago is 5-2 in their last 7 games as favorites.
- Oakland is 4-8 against the spread in their last 12 games.
- The total has gone over in 7 of the Cubs' last 10 games.
- Basso has a 0.89 WHIP, indicating his effectiveness.
- The Cubs have hit more home runs this season than the Athletics.
Weather
Weather at Wrigley Field is expected to be sunny with a temperature around 77°F, providing a perfect day for baseball.
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Historical Kingpin articles preserve original body copy, authors, and publication dates. Structured pick or odds modules appear only when the source article provides them.
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