World Series contenders are set to clash tonight in Texas. The Cubs enter tonight atop the NL Central with a 48-34 record. It’s a similar story for the Astros, who are currently pacing the AL West by 6.5 games. Last night, it was Houston that earned a 7-4 win. Can Chicago bounce back in the second game of this inter-league series? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction, and best bet for Saturday’s battle between the Cubs and Astros.
The Astros enter as favorites (-119) over the Cubs, with the over/under set at eight runs. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook going into tonight’s contest.
Cubs at Astros prediction, preview
It’s been a week to remember for the Astros, specifically on the mound. Houston has held its opponents to a total of five combined runs over its last four games. Those contests have come against the Phillies and Cubs, two of the National League’s most dangerous lineups. Granted, aces Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez both took the hill during that stretch. Lance McCullers Jr., tonight’s starter, isn’t nearly as intimidating right now. The former All-Star isn’t the same pitcher he once was in his prime, partially a result of frequent injuries. Through seven starts this season, the 31-year-old owns a 4.91 ERA and 1.43 WHIP.
An inconsistent starter doesn’t inspire confidence heading into a meeting with the Cubs. Chicago is averaging 5.38 runs per game, the second-highest mark in baseball. Leading the charge is Kyle Tucker, acquired from the Astros this offseason. Over 81 games, the outfielder is slashing .283/.391/.520 with 16 home runs, 49 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. However, the three-time All-Star went 0-for-4 at the plate against his old club last night. Fortunately for the North Siders, this lineup isn’t a one-man show. Seven different Cubs regulars have recorded a wRC+ of at least 100, including Michael Busch (142 wRC+), Pete Crow-Armstrong (135 wRC+), and Seiya Suzuki (133 wRC+).
An offense that’s this lethal doesn’t need much from its pitching. Unfortunately for the Cubs, starter Colin Rea hasn’t given the team much recently. Over his previous five outings, the 34-year-old has coughed up 19 earned runs (6.41 ERA). During his last appearance, the seventh-year pro allowed seven runs over 5.1 innings against the Mariners. The Astros only rank 20th in runs per game this season (4.21). However, Houston owns the league’s fifth-highest OPS since June 10th (.794). It’s difficult to feel great about Rea’s chances on the road against a lineup that’s starting to heat up.
Cubs at Astros pick, best bet
Best Bet: Cubs Astros over 8.5 runs (-110)
It’s been a dominant week on the mound for Houston. However, McCullers Jr. looks like the weak link in this Astros rotation. The same can be said for Rea, who has been hit hard over the past month. At a total of just 8.5 runs, we’re due for some Saturday night fireworks.
