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This is the second installment of the 2016 Cubs-Cardinals rivalry. Chicago took two of three from the Cards in St. Louis back in April.
You can bet on MLB odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Cubs are the best team in baseball with a .707 winning percentage heading into Sunday.
While Chicago is miles better than any other team based on record, they’re just 4-6 in their last 10 games. That sub-.500 stretch has cost bettors and the Cubs now have a $728 total moneyline.
Their rivals from St. Louis, meanwhile, continue to hang around the .500 mark. They’re two games up heading into their series with the Cubs. After leading baseball in wins last year, their mediocre start has been a bit of a surprise and it shows in their cumulative money line at -$237 despite the 23-21 record.
WHEN THE CHICAGO CUBS ARE AT THE PLATE
Michael Wacha will take the mound against a Cubs team that’s suddenly struggling. The team’s offense, however, is still loaded. Ben Zobrist has been an excellent addition. He and Dexter Fowler have been strong table setters for the middle of the order for thumpers like Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.
Jorge Soler’s bat has come around, too. In his last four games, he’s 6-for-13 with three extra base hits.
Over his career, Wacha’s struggled against the Cubbies with a 4.86 ERA and 1.381 WHIP in 46 1/3 innings. In nine games this year, Wacha’s 2-4 with a 4.03 ERA while his walk and hit rate have both jumped.
Wacha struggled in his last three starts. He’s pitched only 14 innings, allowing 12 runs on 22 hits.
Watch the Cubs’ bats early to see if they’re squaring up on the 24-year old right-hander. His strikeout rate is still in line with his career norms and he’s keeping the ball in the yard, too. The Cubs’ power bats are unlikely to win this alone. They’ll need consistent contact and a patient approach top-to-bottom.
The Cards’ bullpen hasn’t been very strong. They’re good late with Seung-Hwan Oh, Kevin Siegrist and Trevor Rosenthal, but the middle innings are still a question mark and the Cubbies could do some damage there.
After all, they’re second in the NL in runs scored and provide a nice balance of OBP, power and speed. Over the last week, however, they’ve cooled, hitting just .225.
WHEN THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS ARE AT THE PLATE
The Cubs are second in the NL in runs, behind the Cards. St. Louis has found their power stroke slamming 58 bombs. The offense is the reason they’re over-.500 right now. Look for that hot hitting to continue against the Cubs’ Jason Hammel on Tuesday.
In April, Hammel was 3-0 with a 0.75 ERA and no homers. In May, he’s now allowed three homers in four games and has an ERA of 3.97 in the month.
In his only start on the year against the Cards, he went six innings, allowing just a single run while striking out six. Even in such a strong game, the veteran hurler lasted just six innings, leaving the pen to cover the last three.
Don’t look for a deep start from Hammel and Joe Maddon will be happy with five or six strong innings and then turn the ball over to his bullpen whose 3.12 ERA is the third best in the National League.
Two players to watch for St. Louis are short stop Aledmys Diaz and outfielder Stephen Piscotty. The two have been driving forces in the Cardinals’ offense and surprising forces.
Also watch to see if Matt Carpenter is able is able to get on base to set the tone for this offense.
BETTING TRENDS AND MATCHUPS
Hammel has been trending in a poor direction for the Cubbies and has struggled in his career against the Cards.
Don’t bank too heavily on his last start against St. Louis, history is not on his side.
The righty has a 5.26 ERA against them in 37 2/3 innings. He’s been even worse at Busch Stadium with a 5.58 ERA. The Cubs’ hurler is key in this. With Chicago’s offense slowing a bit despite a deep roster and bullpen. If he’s not efficient early, look for a short leash and think about backing the Redbirds.
MLB Odds at BookMaker.eu
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at 7:10 p.m. ET at Busch Stadium. The matchup can be seen live on ESPN.
