Two of the hottest teams in baseball are about to collide, and the stage is set for a high-octane showdown between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. With the Cubs coming off a series win over the Dodgers, they’ve carried that momentum into this matchup, boasting one of the most explosive offenses in the league. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Monday night baseball game between the Padres and the Cubs.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games each round, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Padres vs. Cubs prediction, preview
The Cubs are averaging an impressive 6.44 runs per game, and they’ve been even better on the road, posting 7.6 runs per contest. While their lineup is deep, led by Kyle Tucker and Carson Kelly, it’s the Padres’ pitching staff that will face the toughest test yet. San Diego, despite their blazing start to the season, is sending Dylan Cease to the mound, who’s been anything but lights-out. With a 7.98 ERA through three starts, he’s been unable to find his rhythm, and tonight’s matchup is shaping up to be a challenge for him.
At the plate, Manny Machado has been in top form, hitting .317 with an .862 OPS this season. He’s one of the few players who can consistently handle the variety of pitches Jameson Taillon will throw his way. With a four-seam fastball, cutter, and sweeper in his arsenal, Taillon has struggled against teams with potent offenses like the Cubs, and Machado should continue his torrid pace against him. The Padres’ offense isn’t to be overlooked, though, and their ability to score at home has been impressive. With Fernando Tatis Jr. leading the charge, they’ve managed to stay efficient even with some inconsistency from their pitching staff.
Kyle Tucker is leading the charge for the North Siders, hitting .324 with five home runs and 18 RBIs, and has been a consistent threat at the plate. Right behind him, Carson Kelly, batting .417, is also raking and has been a key contributor in the middle of the Cubs’ lineup. With this kind of firepower, they’ve consistently shown they can handle pitchers like Dylan Cease who has struggled with command and hard contact. Add in Seiya Suzuki’s hot bat at .292 and the overall offensive depth, and this Cubs lineup is primed to keep scoring in bunches.
Taillon’s 6.06 ERA so far this season is brutal, too. His struggles against potent offenses like the Padres’ mean he’ll need to find a way to limit damage, but with his xERA of 5.47, there’s reason to believe the Padres will find some success. Taillon’s arsenal includes a mix of four-seam fastballs, sweepers, and cutters, but he’s shown vulnerabilities to hitting teams with patience and power. This sets the stage for an exciting game, as the Cubs’ offense will be looking to capitalize on his inconsistency.
Cubs vs. Padres pick, best bet
We’re firmly backing the Cubs Moneyline at +124 odds, here. All undefeated stretches must come to an end. So, too, will it be for the Padres’ undefeated stretch tonight. While the Padres have been dominant at home, the Cubs have proven they can battle it out on the road, going 7-3 in away games this season. Given the Cubs’ offensive firepower and the way Cease has been struggling on the mound, I like this offense to squeak one out for plus money.
As for the total, the Over 7.5 runs feels like a very strong lean, given both teams’ potent offenses and the shaky pitching matchups. With the Cubs’ bats firing on all cylinders and the Padres’ pitching vulnerabilities, this one is set to be a high-scoring battle.
Best bet: Cubs ML (+124) at Padres
Tail the Cubbies to make another west coast statement tonight with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
Strong lean: Cubs vs. Padres o7.5 total runs (+100)
Can’t really deny these two offenses, can we? Not with our purses, we can’t. Back ’em.
