Ian Happ Player Props: Cardinals vs Cubs 8/2

Ian Happ Player Props: Cardinals vs Cubs 8/2

Game Summary

The Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field on August 2, 2024, in the second game of their series. The Cardinals currently stand at 56-53, placing them second in the NL Central, while the Cubs sit at 53-58, fifth in the same division. This matchup comes after the Cubs took the first game of the series 5-4, making it a critical moment for the Cardinals as they look to even the series.

In terms of recent performances, the Cubs have been moderately successful at home with a 28-25 record. They have shown a strong tendency to win when out-hitting their opponents—boasting an impressive 38-10 record under such conditions. On the other hand, the Cardinals have struggled on the road with a 27-28 record and have been outscored by five runs over their last ten games, recording a 4-6 stretch. This series marks the 11th encounter between these two teams this season, with the Cardinals holding a slight edge at 6-4 in the season series.

Top performers for the Cubs include Ian Happ, who leads the team with 17 home runs and a slugging percentage of .439. Seiya Suzuki has also been a standout, going 13-for-39 with four doubles and three home runs over the last ten games. The Cardinals will rely on Nolan Gorman, who leads his team with 19 home runs, to provide offensive firepower. As both teams battle for a crucial win, the performances of key players like Happ could play a pivotal role in the outcome.

 

Player Prop Odds

Doubles: Over 0.5 (+340)

RBIs: Over 0.5 (+200)

Runs Scored: Over 0.5 (-130)

Singles: Over 0.5 (-120)

Total Bases: Over 1.5 (+125)

Player Analysis

Ian Happ has been a consistent offensive presence for the Cubs this season. Leading the team with 17 home runs, he has showcased his power-hitting capability. With a batting average of .240, Happ is not just a home run threat; he also contributes significantly to the Cubs' offense with a solid on-base percentage of .337. His recent form has been promising, especially in crucial games where he has been instrumental in driving in runs and getting on base.

Opposing Analysis

The Cardinals’ pitching staff has shown vulnerabilities, particularly against left-handed hitters. With Javier Assad on the mound for the Cubs, he presents an opportunity for Happ to capitalize. The Cardinals are ranked 9th in the NL with a 3.79 ERA but have struggled with consistency in their recent outings. This bodes well for Happ, who could exploit any mistakes made by the Cardinals’ pitchers, especially in high-pressure situations.

Pitching Probables

Pitcher	W-L	ERA	Strikeouts
Erick Fedde (CHC)	7-4	3.11	108
Javier Assad (STL)	5-3	3.23	86

Team Previews

St. Louis Cardinals: The Cardinals have a mixed bag of offensive and defensive stats this year. They rank 24th in batting average (.234) but are 17th in RBIs (462). Their pitching staff has an ERA of 3.79, which is commendable, but they need to step up their hitting to support their pitchers. The Cardinals are 56-53 overall, with a road record of 27-28.

Chicago Cubs: The Cubs have fared slightly better with a .247 batting average, ranking 13th in the league. Their pitching has been a bit shaky, with a 4.05 ERA, but they boast a strong bullpen that has saved 37 games, ranking 2nd in the league. The Cubs’ overall record stands at 53-58, and with home-field advantage, they will look to extend their winning streak against the Cardinals.

Team Injuries

Player	Position	Injury Status
Lance Lynn	SP	15-Day IL (knee)
Adbert Alzolay	RP	Out for the season (forearm)

Recent Games

Date	Opponent	Score	W/L
Jul 28	vs Texas	W4-3	W
Jul 29	vs Texas	W8-1	W
Jul 30	vs Texas	W10-1	W
Aug 1	@ Chicago	L5-4	L
Aug 2	@ Chicago	Upcoming	-

Prediction

Given Ian Happ’s current form and the Cardinals' pitching vulnerabilities, we recommend betting on Ian Happ to score over 0.5 runs (-130). He has been consistent at the plate, and with the Cubs at home and riding a wave of momentum, he is likely to contribute significantly. His ability to get on base combined with the Cubs' offensive capabilities makes this a strong pick.

Get more expert picks!

 

```