Game Summary
The St. Louis Cardinals (56-53) will face the Chicago Cubs (53-58) in game 2 of their series at Wrigley Field on August 2, 2024. The matchup features a compelling pitching duel between Erick Fedde and Javier Assad, both of whom have been effective this season. Fedde holds a strong 3.11 ERA and a 7-4 record, while Assad has posted a 3.23 ERA with a 5-3 record. The Cubs secured a narrow victory in the first game of the series, winning 5-4, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
Recent performances show the Cubs with a 5-5 record in their last 10 games, while the Cardinals are slightly behind at 4-6. Both teams have shown offensive capabilities, with the Cubs hitting .241 and the Cardinals hitting .251 over their last 10 games. Historically, this season has seen the Cardinals leading the series 6-4, indicating a competitive rivalry. The Cardinals rank eighth in the National League with a .310 on-base percentage, suggesting they can capitalize on scoring opportunities. The game is set to start at 2:20 PM EDT, with a favorable weather forecast of intermittent clouds and a temperature around 79 degrees.
As both teams aim to secure a win, player performances will be crucial. Notably, Isaac Paredes has been a standout player for the Cubs, and his performance today could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.
Player Prop Odds
- **Isaac Paredes Doubles**: Over 0.5 (+430) - **Isaac Paredes RBIs**: Over 0.5 (+175) - **Isaac Paredes Runs Scored**: Over 0.5 (+110) - **Isaac Paredes Singles**: Over 0.5 (+105) - **Isaac Paredes Total Bases**: Over 1.5 (+170)
Player Analysis
Isaac Paredes has emerged as a crucial player for the Cubs this season. He boasts an impressive batting average of .281 with 19 home runs and 63 RBIs. Paredes has shown consistent power, especially against right-handed pitching, making him a player to watch in today's matchup against Fedde. Over the last 10 games, he has maintained a high level of performance, which is critical as the Cubs look to extend their series lead.
Paredes’ ability to get on base and drive in runs makes him a valuable asset in this game. His recent form, combined with the favorable odds for his prop bets, suggests a strong likelihood of exceeding these benchmarks today.
Opposing Analysis
The Cardinals will send Erick Fedde to the mound, who has been solid this season but has shown vulnerability against left-handed hitters. Paredes, being a left-handed batter, could exploit any mistakes Fedde makes. The Cardinals' pitching staff has an ERA of 3.79, ranking them ninth in the National League, indicating they can be hit hard if batters are disciplined and selective.
Chicago's offensive strategy should focus on aggressive hitting early in the count to put pressure on Fedde, especially given his tendency to give up runs when facing left-handed hitters.
Pitching Probables
| Pitcher | Team | W-L | ERA | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Erick Fedde | Cardinals | 7-4 | 3.11 | 108 |
| Javier Assad | Cubs | 5-3 | 3.23 | 86 |
Team Previews
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals currently sit second in the NL Central with a record of 56-53. Their offense has struggled at times this season, with a batting average of .234, ranking them 24th in the league. However, their on-base percentage is respectable at .310. The pitching staff has been a strong point, with a combined ERA of 3.79. Key players like Nolan Gorman and Paul Goldschmidt will need to step up to support their pitching staff in today's game.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are fifth in the NL Central with a record of 53-58. They have shown flashes of offensive power, ranking 13th in the league with a batting average of .247. The Cubs’ pitching has been less consistent, with a team ERA of 4.05. Players like Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki are crucial to their success, as they provide the necessary offensive firepower to support their pitchers.
Team Injuries
| Player | Position | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lance Lynn | SP | 15-Day IL | Knee |
| Riley O'Brien | RP | 15-Day IL | Forearm |
| Adbert Alzolay | RP | Out for season | Forearm |
Recent Games
| Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | W 10-1 | Win |
| Texas | W 8-1 | Win |
| Washington | L 14-3 | Loss |
| Washington | L 10-8 | Loss |
| Pittsburgh | L 5-4 | Loss |
Prediction
Based on the analysis, I predict that Isaac Paredes will likely exceed the total bases prop with an over/under of 1.5. With the odds at +170, the potential for a solid return makes this an enticing bet. Given his recent form and the favorable matchup against Fedde, Paredes has an excellent chance to register multiple total bases in this game.
