Freddie Freeman and the surging Atlanta Braves will do battle against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in a Thursday showdown. NBC Sports Chicago will broadcast this NL showdown and the game gets underway at 2:20 p.m. ET.
Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Odds
The Cubs are 43-37 straight up (SU) and 40-39 against the spread (ATS). The team has lost 1.1 units for bettors taking the moneyline while earning 0.8 units ATS. The Braves have gone 48-33 SU this year and are 39-41 against the spread. In total, the club has accumulated 9.6 units for moneyline gamblers and 0.8 units ATS.
Cubs games have had an over/under record of 40-34-5 so far in 2019. The Braves have also been a good over bet with a total record of 44-31-5.
Bryse Wilson is getting the start for the visiting Braves. The right-handed Wilson (0-0, 8.31 ERA) has racked up four strikeouts in 4.1 innings so far. He has yet to face the Cubs this year and did not record a start against them in 2018, either.
The Cubs are handing the ball to righty Tyler Chatwood (3-1, 3.69 ERA), who’s got 30 strikeouts and 22 walks as well as a 1.49 WHIP. Chatwood is 0-0 with two strikeouts and a 4.50 ERA against Atlanta this year.
Atlanta’s pitching staff allowed 4.8 runs per game and its starting pitchers own a 4.60 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 7.90 K/9. The bullpen has managed an ERA of 3.76, along with a K/9 of 9.53.
Braves hitters have slashed .263/.340/.460 on their way to 5.4 runs scored per game this year, including 6.7 runs per game over the team’s last 10 games and 5.6 per game over the team’s last five contests (4-1 SU).
First baseman Freddie Freeman and outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. continue to lead Atlanta’s offense. Freeman is hitting .313/.399/.595 with 21 home runs, 61 RBIs and 60 runs scored. Acuna Jr. is hitting .287 with 19 homers, 51 RBIs, 56 runs and 11 stolen bases.
In the home-team dugout, Chicago’s pitching staff has allowed 4.3 runs per game overall this year. Its starters have a 3.87 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings. The bullpen has a 3.90 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 9.2 K/9.
The Chicago hitters are putting up 5.0 runs per outing, including 4.1 per game over its last 10 games and 4.0 per game over their last five. The team has hit .268/.347/.420 over its last five matchups and is 2-3 SU during that stretch.
The Cubs’ offense has been led by shortstop Javier Baez and third baseman Kris Bryant. Baez is hitting .287/.326/.548 with 19 home runs, 52 RBIs and 52 runs scored, while Bryant’s line sits at .287/.395/.539 with 16 homers, 41 RBIs and 60 runs.
The Braves have gained 4.5 units and are 30-32 ATS when facing a righty starter this season. The over has hit in 32 of those games, compared to 26 that’ve gone under against right-handed starting pitchers. On the other hand, the Cubs have netted 1.9 units and are 33-30 ATS when facing a righty starter. The over’s hit in 32 of those games, compared to 28 that went under the total.
Braves at Cubs Free MLB Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Cubs, ATS Winner – Braves, O/U – OVER
Betting Trends
- The under has hit in only two of Chicago’s last seven games.
- The Braves have won four of their last five games SU.
- The Atlanta defense has allowed three errors over the last 10 games, compared to eight errors for Chicago over its last 10.
- The Braves have hit 21 home runs in their last 10 games. The Cubs have hit 11 over their last 10.
- The Braves have an OPS of .799 this season and an OPS of .791 against right-handed pitchers. The Cubs’ OPS stands at .785 overall and .801 versus righties.
