Braves vs. Cubs Prediction
After losing two of three to the Pirates to start their 2018 home schedule, the Chicago Cubs will try to rebound with a successful series versus the Atlanta Braves. Can they count on Yu Darvish to pitch a gem on Friday afternoon?
Game Snapshot & Odds
951 Atlanta Braves at 952 Chicago Cubs
Friday, April 13, 2018
2:20 p.m. ET, Wrigley Field
TV: ATTP (PIT); CSNC (CHC)
Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbook YouWager currently list the Cubs as a -225 favorite. As of this writing, 60% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Cubs to beat the Braves on the money line. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Sanchez pitches well for Braves in return to mound
Making his first start of 2018, Anibal Sanchez limited the Rockies to two runs on seven hits over five innings in a no-decision last Saturday. He struck out six and limited the damage at the always-dangerous Coors Field. Sanchez’s only other appearance this season came in a three-inning relief outing against the Nationals earlier that same week.
Unfortunately for the Braves, Arodys Vizcaino blew his first save of the season but the Braves were able to still beat the Nationals on Wednesday. He allowed two hits and a run in his lone inning of work. The damage came off the bat of Matt Adams, who tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth. Fortunately, Vizcaino was able to work out of the jam and the Braves eventually went on to win 5-3.
Schwarber coming off big day vs. Pirates
Kyle Schwarber went 3-for-4 with a home run and a double on Thursday versus the Pirates. He has struck out 12 times in 42 plate appearances but he’s still hitting .270 with three dingers and a .952 OPS. He’s one of the few outfielders for the Cubs that’s doing anything with the bat.
Meanwhile, Yu Darvish will take the mound today for the Cubs. He was sharp in his second start of the season, holding the Brewers to one run over six innings while striking out nine in a no-decision. He allowed just two hits and walked one. Eric Thames’ home run was the only damage inflicted on Darvish.
MLB Betting Trends
Atlanta
The Braves are 1-6 in their last seven games versus the Cubs and are 3-8 in their last 11 trips to Chicago.
Chicago
The Cubs are 2-5 in their last seven home games dating back to last season and are 2-5 in their last seven home games versus a team with a winning record.
Prediction:
With the Cubs big money line favorites in this one (yet struggling), I’m going to focus on the total. The under is 5-0 in the Braves’ last five games, is 5-0 in their last five road games, and is 4-0 in their last four games versus a right-handed starter. With Darvish on the hill for the Cubs, I’m looking at this game being low-scoring for bettors. Plus, the Cubs aren’t exactly tearing the cover off the ball right now. (As of this writing the under has not been posted but I’m expecting it to be between 8 and 9 runs.)
The Pick: Braves/Cubs under