Cubs vs. Rangers Sunday Prediction
Cole Hamels will square off against his former team on Sunday when the Cubs visit the Rangers at 4:05 p.m. ET. Are the Cubs a good bet to pick up a win and take the series?
Game Snapshot & Odds
979 Chicago Cubs (-132) at 980 Texas Rangers (+110); 8.5 runs
Sunday, March 31, 2019
4:05 p.m. ET, Globe Life Park in Arlington
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetNow.eu, the Cubs as a -132 favorite. As of this writing, 72% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Cubs to beat the Rangers on the moneyline.
This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Chicago Cubs Fantasy Spin
Kyle Schwarber went 3-for-5 with a two-run homer in a loss to the Rangers on Saturday. Schwarber blistered a Jeanmar Gomez offering into center for his first homer of the season. The 26-year-old had a strong spring training, and those results are carrying over to the regular season. So far, anyway. Schwarber may not hit for a high average, but the power should be there, and the Cubs’ lineup should allow for some decent run production.
Texas Rangers Fantasy Spin
Joey Gallo went 1-for-4 with a three-run homer in an 8-6 victory over the Cubs on Saturday. Gallo also drew a walk. The power-hitting outfielder crushed a Carl Edwards Jr. offering in the center-field seats to give him his first homer of the year and the Rangers an 8-6 lead in the eighth inning. Gallo won’t hit for a high average and he’s going to strike out a ton, but he’s also going to give you plenty of power, as well. The question is if the power is enough to overcome the other categories. It just might be.
MLB Betting Trends
Chicago
The Cubs have won five of their last seven games with the Rangers despite losing on Saturday night.
Texas
The Rangers have dropped eight straight after scoring five runs or more in their previous game.
Prediction:
Hamels saw a career revival last year after he was traded from the Rangers to the Cubs. He posted a 4-3 record and a 2.36 ERA in 12 starts and while he struggled at home a year ago (1-7 with a 6.41 ERA in 10 starts at Globe Life Park), I’m willing to take the risk because Lynn is 0-4 with a 6.40 ERA in his last 10 starts versus the Cubs. Chicago is familiar with Lynn from his time in St. Louis, especially Anthony Rizzo, who is 12-for-34 with five doubles, two homers and nine walks against the right-hander.
The Pick: Chicago Cubs -132