At the onset of the season Philadelphia was bet up as a trendy pick for the National League pennant. Free agent Bryce Harper’s mega bucks contract caused baseball betting insanity. Phillies fans and gamblers have spent the summer simmering in frustration. However, Philadelphia has finally made their move to a wild card spot. Second half of the season results have been much better for the Phillies. Not withstanding their massive fan base the Cubs were legitimate NL pennant chalks. Chicago has struggled to bring betting value in spite of its first-place status in the NL Central.
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, August 14, 2019, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Red Sox vs. Yankees TV Coverage: | ESPN |
Cubs vs. Phillies Current Form and Overview
Now the Cubs are 63-53 with only 53 games going over the total. Chicago has won seven of their last 10 games. Only four of their last 10 went over the total. MLB metrics have the Cubs ranked 11th for runs scored, seventh for OPS and eighth for home runs. Philadelphia has lost six of their last 10. As a result, the Phillies are 60-56 with 54 overs. Philly ranks 17th for runs, 22nd for OPS and 22nd for home runs.
Cubs Probable Starter and Bullpen
Left hander Cole Hamels (6-3, 1.24 WHIP, 3.09 ERA, 105 K, 107.2 IP) is the Cubs probable starter. Concurrently the Cubs have won five of his last seven baseball betting starts. Chicago has the eighth ranked bullpen in baseball. Closer Craig Kimbrell remains on the 10-day injured list. Increasingly Steve Cishek (3-2, 7 SV, 1.17 WHIP, 3.58 ERA, 46 K, 50.1 IP) will get more opportunities.
Phillies Probable Starter and Bullpen
Accordingly, right hander Aaron Nola (10-3, 1.29 WHIP, 3.67 ERA, 166 K, 147.1 IP) is the Phillies probable starter. Philadelphia has won seven of his last nine starts. Of great concern is a bullpen that has been a sportsbook liability. Philadelphia ranks 22nd for bullpen ERA.
Key Players
Javier Baez (82 R, 31 2B, 28 HR, 79 RBI, .291 AVG, .878 OPS) powers the Cubs. Counter to that is Philadelphia’s Bryce Harper (69 R, 30 2B, 22 HR, 78 RBI, .849 OPS).
Cubs and Phillies Betting Stats
The Cubs are:
6-12 in their last 18 road games
2-7 under the total in their last 9 games away from home
6-3 in their last 9 games with the Phillies
4-1 over the total in their last 5 matchups against Philadelphia
The Phillies are:
5-5 in their last 10 home games
2-4-1 under the total in their last six games at Citizen’s Bank Park
6-5 at home in their last 11 matchups against the Cubs
3-4-1 under the total against Chicago in their last eight home games
Cubs vs. Phillies Baseball Betting Picks
In this situation the Cubs will bring a favorable baseball betting price as the road team. Chicago is the better offensive team. As mentioned earlier their bullpen is vastly superior. Most important of all is the Phillies lack of consistency.
Baseball Odds Today Betting Odds Picks
In sum the Cubs offer better value.
Baseball Odds Today Betting Online Pick: Chicago Cubs
Baseball Odds Today Betting Online Score Prediction: Cubs 5, Phillies 3
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