Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies 8/31/18, Prediction & Odds

Cubs vs. Phillies Prediction

The Chicago Cubs have won eight of their last nine games as they enter a series tonight at the Philadelphia Phillies. Will Chicago start the weekend off by continuing its winning ways?

Game Snapshot

903 Chicago Cubs at 904 Philadelphia Phillies

Friday, August 31, 2018

Citizens Bank Park at 7:05PM ET

TV: MLB Network

Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new Baseball Odds & Betting Page.

 

Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers at BetNow, the Phillies are a -111 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Cubs are a +101 underdog, while the total is set at 8.5 runs. As of Friday morning, exactly 50 percent of public bets are coming in on both visiting Chicago and host Philadelphia. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.

Cubs edge Braves in makeup game

Chicago secured a 5-4 road victory at Atlanta Wednesday night in a game made up from May 17. Ben Zobrist helped pace the Cubs offense by going 2-for-4 with a double and a run. Willson Contreras was 1-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Kyle Schwarber finished 1-for-3 with a walk and a run. Tommy La Stella contributed a pinch-hit 2-run homer. Brandon Kintzler earned the win in relief as he retired both batters he faced. Pedro Strop pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 11th save.

Phillies win finale over Nats

Philadelphia topped Washington 8-6 at home Thursday before enjoying an off day yesterday. The Phillies had previously lost the first two games in the series. Roman Quinn helped lead the Philly offense by going 3-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored. Wilson Ramos walked twice in five plate appearances and scored a run. Carlos Santana finished 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs and four RBIs. Jose Bautista was 1-for-1 with a run, an RBI and two walks. Seranthony Dominguez earned the win in relief by giving up one hit and striking out two in an inning of work. Tommy Hunter threw two perfect innings for his third save of the season.

Jose Quintana (11-9, 4.33 ERA) will start today for Chicago, while Philadelphia turns to Nick Pivetta (7-10, 4.76).

MLB Betting Trends

Chicago

The under is 8-2 in the last 10 Cubs road games. Chicago is 11-5 in the last 16 meetings.

Philadelphia

The Phillies are 1-7 in their last eight games following a win. Philadelphia is 3-8 in its last 11 games overall.

Prediction:

The Phillies have struggled as of late and while Pivetta has plenty of promise, he's been hit hard a lot this season. Quintana also has had problems with inconsistency, but he has a good MLB track record and is a candidate to finish the year in strong fashion. I like the hotter team to win this one as the small underdog.

 

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: CHICAGO CUBS +101