EASY Money on the Cubs vs Athletics Showdown 9/18
Get ready for an exciting matchup as the Chicago Cubs face off against the Oakland Athletics at Wrigley Field on September 18. In this article, we provide expert predictions and detailed analysis to help you make informed bets on this game.
Game Summary
The Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics are set to clash at the historic Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, on September 18. The Cubs, currently holding a record of 77-74, have been competitive in the National League Central, while the Athletics sit at 66-86 in the American League West. This matchup is particularly significant for the Cubs as they look to secure a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Chicago Cubs are coming into this game with a solid performance from their pitching staff, particularly Justin Steele, who has a 3.09 ERA this season and has been effective in limiting opponent scoring. Steele's record stands at 5-5, and he has struck out 131 batters over 128 innings pitched.
On the other hand, the Oakland Athletics will send Brady Basso to the mound. Basso has made a remarkable impression with a 1.23 ERA and a 1-0 record, having only pitched in 14.2 innings this season. His ability to keep opponents off the bases will be critical for Oakland as they face a powerful Cubs lineup.
Historically, the Cubs have had the upper hand against the Athletics, winning several of their recent encounters. However, the Athletics have been showing signs of improvement, winning their last few games, which adds an interesting dynamic to this matchup.
Both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths; the Cubs have a higher batting average of .243 compared to the Athletics' .235. The Cubs have also been more productive at the plate, scoring 692 runs this season compared to Oakland's 609. This offensive edge could play a significant role in determining the game's outcome.
The weather forecast for game day indicates sunny skies with a temperature of 77°F, providing perfect conditions for a day of baseball. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere as both teams battle for a crucial win.
Odds and Betting Lines
| Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Moneyline | Chicago Cubs -162 |
| Oakland Athletics +136 | |
| Over/Under | (Not provided) |
| Point Spread | (Not provided) |
Pitching Probables
| Pitcher | W-L | ERA | IP | K |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Steele (CHC) | 5-5 | 3.09 | 128.0 | 131 |
| Brady Basso (OAK) | 1-0 | 1.23 | 14.2 | 11 |
Team Previews
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs have been a solid team this year, particularly at home, where they boast a 39-34 record. Their batting lineup features standout players like Ian Happ, who leads the team with 85 RBIs and 25 home runs. The Cubs are efficient at putting runs on the board, which is crucial in tight games.
On the pitching front, the Cubs have a respectable team ERA of 3.80, ranking 9th in MLB. Their bullpen, while having its ups and downs, has made considerable contributions to securing wins.
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics have struggled overall this season with a record of 66-86. They are currently ranked 24th in the league with a team ERA of 4.35. However, the emergence of Brady Basso has provided a glimmer of hope for the pitching staff.
Offensively, the Athletics rank 26th in runs scored this season, which has been a significant factor in their struggles. Brent Rooker has been a highlight for the team, boasting a .302 batting average and leading the team with 38 home runs and 109 RBIs.
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 4-1 in their last five games against the Athletics.
- Oakland is 2-8 in their last ten games on the road.
- Chicago has gone over the total in 7 of their last 10 games.
- Brady Basso has a 1.23 ERA in his last three starts.
- The Athletics are 1-6 in their last seven games against a left-handed starter.
Recent Games
Chicago Cubs
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Pittsburgh | L 5-3 | W |
| vs Pittsburgh | L 5-0 | L |
| vs Pittsburgh | W 12-0 | W |
| vs New York | L 3-0 | L |
| vs New York | L 2-0 | L |
Oakland Athletics
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Seattle | W 5-4 | W |
| vs Seattle | W 3-2 | W |
| vs Seattle | L 16-3 | L |
| vs Seattle | L 6-4 | L |
| vs Detroit | W 7-6 (F/13) | W |
Team Rankings
| Team | Hitting | Starting Pitching | Relief Pitching | Fielding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 15th | 9th | (Not Provided) | (Not Provided) |
| Oakland Athletics | 25th | 24th | (Not Provided) | (Not Provided) |
Significant Betting Stats
- Cubs are 5-1 in their last six games against AL teams.
- Athletics are 2-6 in their last eight games against teams with a winning record.
- Cubs rank 12th in runs scored this season (692).
- Athletics rank 26th in runs scored this season (609).
- Steele has a 3.09 ERA, making him a reliable pitcher in critical matchups.
- Basso's 1.23 ERA shows he can be a tough opponent for the Cubs' lineup.
- Cubs have a higher batting average (.243) versus right-handed pitchers compared to Oakland (.235).
- Recent trends indicate the Cubs are trending upward while the Athletics have been inconsistent.
- Chicago's home advantage is significant, especially at Wrigley Field.
- Look for the Cubs to capitalize on Oakland's pitching struggles.
Weather
Sunny with a temperature of 77°F.
