MLB Spread Picks 2024: Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals

MLB Spread Picks 2024: Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals

Photo Credit: nan

1. Game Summary

The Chicago Cubs host the St. Louis Cardinals for the first game of a four-game series at Wrigley Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 8:05 p.m. EDT on August 1, 2024. This matchup features two teams from the NL Central division, with the Cardinals currently holding a record of 56-52, positioned second in the division, while the Cubs sit at 52-58, fifth in the same division. The Cubs have a home record of 27-25, showcasing a solid performance at Wrigley Field, while the Cardinals are 27-27 on the road. In their last 10 games, both teams have gone 5-5, indicating a level of inconsistency as they approach this critical stretch of the season. The Cubs' pitching staff has a collective ERA of 3.79, ranking fifth in the National League, which has been a strength for them amid struggles offensively, as evidenced by their low batting average of .234, placing them 24th in the league.

The Cardinals have a slightly better batting average of .247, ranking 13th, and they have performed well with an on-base percentage of .310, which ranks eighth in the NL. Historically, these two teams have met nine times this season, with the Cardinals winning six of those encounters. Key players to watch include Isaac Paredes for the Cubs, who has been a significant contributor with 21 doubles and 16 home runs, and Alec Burleson for the Cardinals, who leads the team with a .281 batting average and has hit 18 home runs. Given the stakes of this matchup and the performance of both teams, it promises to be an exciting game to kick off the series.

2. Odds and Betting Lines

Bet Type	Odds
Over/Under	8 runs
Chicago Cubs Spread	-1.5
St. Louis Cardinals Spread	+1.5
Chicago Cubs Moneyline	-115
St. Louis Cardinals Moneyline	-104

3. Pitching Probables

Pitcher	Record	ERA	WHIP	Strikeouts
Sonny Gray (STL)	10-6	3.79	1.10	138
Shota Imanaga (CHC)	8-2	2.95	1.07	111

4. Team Previews

Team 1: Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have faced their fair share of challenges this season but have shown flashes of potential. With a record of 52-58, they are currently fifth in the NL Central. Their hitting has been subpar, reflected in their .234 batting average, which ranks 24th in the league. Key contributors include Ian Happ, who leads the team with 17 home runs and 62 RBIs, and Cody Bellinger, who boasts a .277 batting average. The Cubs' pitching staff has been their saving grace, holding a collective ERA of 3.79, which is competitive within the National League. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, leading to a mixed bag of results.

Team 2: St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals are having a solid season with a record of 56-52, placing them second in the NL Central. They have been productive at the plate, with a .247 batting average and an on-base percentage of .310. Alec Burleson stands out as a key player, hitting .281 with 63 RBIs, while Nolan Gorman has contributed significantly with 19 home runs. The Cardinals' pitching, however, has been a bit shaky, with a collective ERA of 4.04. Despite a recent resurgence, including winning their last two games against Texas, they will face a tough challenge against the Cubs, especially with the historical advantage the Cubs have at home.

5. Team Injuries

Chicago Cubs

Player Name	Position	Injury	Injury Status
Adbert Alzolay	RP	Forearm	Out for the season
Tomas Nido	C	Knee	10-Day IL
Ben Brown	SP	Neck	60-Day IL
Luke Little	RP	Shoulder	60-Day IL
Hayden Wesneski	SP	Forearm	15-Day IL

St. Louis Cardinals

Player Name	Position	Injury	Injury Status
Lance Lynn	SP	Knee	Expected to be out until at least Aug 16
Riley O'Brien	RP	Forearm	Expected to be out until at least Aug 2

6. Betting Trends

• The Cubs are 5-5 in their last 10 games.
• The Cardinals are also 5-5 in their last 10 games.
• The Cubs have won 27 home games this season.
• The Cardinals hold a 6-3 advantage in the season series against the Cubs.
• The over is 8-2 in the last 10 meetings between these two teams.

7. Recent Games

Chicago Cubs Recent Games

Opponent	Score	W/L
@ Cincinnati	W 13-4	W
@ Cincinnati	L 6-3	L
@ Cincinnati	L 7-1	L
@ Kansas City	W 9-4	W
@ Kansas City	W 7-3	W

St. Louis Cardinals Recent Games

Opponent	Score	W/L
vs Texas	W 10-1	W
vs Texas	W 8-1	W
vs Washington	L 14-3	L
vs Washington	L 10-8	L
@ Pittsburgh	L 5-0	L

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8. Team Rankings

Team	Hitting	Starting Pitching	Relief Pitching	Fielding
Chicago Cubs	24th	9th	22nd	21st
St. Louis Cardinals	13th	16th	2nd	26th

9. Significant Betting Stats

• The Cubs are 4-1 in their last 5 games against a right-handed starter.
• The Cardinals are 1-4 in their last 5 games when playing on the road.
• The Cubs have a home record of 27-25 this season.
• The over is 8-2 in the Cubs' last 10 games.
• The Cardinals have lost 7 of their last 10 games overall.
• Sonny Gray has a 1.12 WHIP against left-handed hitters this season.
• Shota Imanaga has held opponents to a .230 batting average this season.
• The Cardinals are 0-4 in their last 4 games against teams with a losing record.
• The Cubs are 6-4 in their last 10 matchups against the Cardinals.
• The Cardinals are 1-5 in their last 6 games as an underdog.

10. Weather

Intermittent clouds with a temperature of 84°F expected at game time.

11. Prediction

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