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The San Francisco Giants (70-68) meet the Chicago Cubs (74-64) for the 2nd game of a 3-game series Tuesday. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 7:40 p.m. ET (TBS). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Giants vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs lead 3-1
Cubs LHP Justin Steele is an NL Cy Young candidate and yesterday’s performance was one of his best this season. The left-hander dominated the San Francisco Giants with a career-high 12 K with just 2 H over 8 scoreless IP en route to a 5-0 Chicago victory.
The Giants RHP Logan Webb had a solid day on the mound as well, holding the Cubs to just 1 run until the 7th inning. Webb left after pitching 6 2/3 IP with 3 ER allowed on 5 H and 1 BB with 4 K.
Cubs RF Seiya Suzuki scored the game-winning run in the 2nd inning with a solo home run, and he batted in the final run of the game, a fielder’s choice in the 8th inning.
Giants at Cubs projected starters
RHP Ryan Walker vs. RHP Kyle Hendricks
Walker (4-2, 2.16 ERA) makes his 12th start and 39th appearance. He has a 1.24 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 11.0 K/9 through 50 IP.
- Last start: No-decision, 1 2/3 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K in 7-3 loss vs. Atlanta Braves on Aug. 26
- 2023 road stats: 2-1, 2.18 ERA (20 2/3 IP, 5 ER) in 2 starts and 13 relief appearances
- Career vs. Cubs: 0-0, 2.45 ERA (3 2/3 IP, 1 ER) in 2 relief appearances
Hendricks (5-7, 3.59 ERA) makes his 20th start. He has a 1.13 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 6.0 K/9 through 110 1/3 IP.
- Last start: No decision, 6 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 2 BB, 6 K in 3-2 win vs. Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday
- 2023 home stats: 2-4, 4.31 ERA (54 1/3 IP, 26 ER) in 10 starts
- Career vs. Giants: 6-2, 2.03 ERA (71 IP, 16 ER) in 11 starts
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Giants at Cubs odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:34 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Giants +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Cubs -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Giants +1.5 (-150) | Cubs -1.5 (+125)
- Over/Under (O/U): 10.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Giants at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Giants 4, Cubs 2
Moneyline
Walker most likely won’t be pitching long into this game as he usually throws a couple of innings and is pulled before facing the same batter twice. However, he’s been dominant during his short stints. In the past 28 days he has allowed just 1 ER across 10 2/3 IP through 4 starts and 6 relief appearances.
Once Walker gets pulled the Giants’ bullpen is not easy to score against. They collectively post a 3.73 ERA and a league-high 605 K.
Combine that with the Giants’ 20-11 record against the NL Central, I like the value of the underdog.
LEAN GIANTS (+125).
Run line/Against the spread
The Giants post a 23-17 record when they are road underdogs (a 57.5% hit rate), while the Cubs cover 46.7% of the time when they are home favorites.
The line is chalky but if you like the moneyline play and also want some insurance then BET GIANTS +1.5 (-150).
Over/Under
The Giants are one of the better Under teams this season. They have the 3rd best Under rate in MLB and after a loss (58.5%, 38-27-2).
The Cubs have recently trended toward the Under, cashing it in 7 of their last 8 games. The books see a high-scoring game, putting the line at 10.5, but I expect another low-scoring affair.
LEAN UNDER 10.5 (-115).
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