The San Francisco Giants (90-50) hold the best record in baseball entering their weekend series against the Chicago Cubs (65-76). The two teams will open up their three-game set Friday with a 2:20 p.m. ET first pitch at Wrigley Field. Let’s analyze the lines around the Giants vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Giants RHP Dominic Leone (3-3, 1.55 ERA) makes his 45th appearance and second start. He has a 1.11 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 through 40 2/3 IP.
- Leone has recorded more than three outs just once all year, and that was back in June, so this sets up as a bullpen game where several relievers will be used.
- Behind Leone’s shiny ERA are some marginal skills and good fortune. He boasts a 1/5 K/BB over his last six appearances and has benefited greatly this season from a .217 BABIP and 4.9% HR/FB rate.
Cubs RHP Kyle Hendricks (14-6, 4.65 ERA) makes his 29th start. He has a 1.36 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9 and 6.6 K/9 through 160 2/3 IP.
- Hendricks got off to a rough start this season but got hot for an extended stretch and his ERA sat at 3.68 just a month ago. He has been hit hard in five starts since though, allowing 28 ER and 7 HR across 26 IP.
- Has put up a 5.56 ERA and 6.7 K/9 while allowing 17 HR in 81 IP (1.9 HR/9) through 15 home starts.
Giants at Cubs odds, lines, picks and prediction
MLB odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Giants -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Cubs +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
- Against the spread/ATS: Giants -1.5 (+102) | Cubs +1.5 (-125)
- Over/Under: 9.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Prediction
Giants 6, Cubs 5
Money line (ML)
Both teams are playing well heading into this game. The Cubs have won eight of their last nine games, while the Giants have won four in a row and sport the league’s second-best road record at 45-27.
Hendricks is striking batters out at a career-low rate and has been pitching very poorly lately. It’s tough to have much confidence in him and he’s probably one to bet against until we see a rebound performance.
A small play on GIANTS (-155) looks like the side to take.
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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)
The San Francisco offense should put some runs on the board against Hendricks, who has had some blowups lately. However, the Cubs aren’t likely to be shut down by Leone and company, either.
Odds are this one stays pretty close throughout, so the call here is to PASS on the run line.
Over/Under (O/U)
The Giants are fourth in runs per game on the road and are facing a pitcher that is going through a very rough stretch. On the other side, the Cubs have scored 78 runs over their last 13 games (6.0 per game) and will square off against a host of relievers working an inning or two throughout the game.
Look for enough runs to push this total OVER 9.5 (-107)
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