Cubs vs. Braves Prediction
Will the Cubs beat the Braves tonight in Atlanta at 7:35PM ET and win their fifth consecutive game?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Cubs are -115 money line favorites versus the Braves, who have odds of -105 to pull off the small upset at home. With John Lackey set to face Sean Newcomb in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 9.5 runs.
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Latest on Lackey via Rotoworld: Lackey (foot) completed a successful bullpen session on Saturday. Manager Joe Maddon seemed satisfied with his session and Lackey should be on track to return Tuesday against Atlanta. Lackey landed on the DL with plantar fasciitis prior to the All-Star break but it was never thought to be a serious injury. He’s had a lousy year for the North Siders, posting a lackluster 5.20 ERA over 98 2/3 innings.
Newcomb didn’t have it in Sunday’s loss to the Nationals, allowing four hits, four runs and four walks over four taxing innings. He also finished with seven strikeouts. Newcomb barely escaped the first inning, surrendering two walks, two hits and three runs before finally recording his third out. He struggled with walks again in the fourth, opening the frame by issuing a pair of free passes. Chris Heisey made him pay for his mistake by roping an RBI single to give Washington a 4-3 lead. Newcomb posted an elite 1.48 ERA over his first four starts but has fallen flat in his last two, losing both while yielding 11 runs in just 7 1/3 innings (13.50 ERA).
Bet Tonight’s Cubs vs. Braves Game
OUR PREDICTION: The Cubs have won 10 of their last 13 games versus the Braves and have taken five of their last six in Atlanta. Chicago has also won four straight overall, five straight on the road, and seven straight when facing a left-handed starter. While they’ve struggled with Lackey on the hill (1-4 in his last five road starts), the Cubs are heating up and could be ready to go on a second-half run. They have a nice price tonight, too.
TUESDAY MLB PREDICTION: CHICAGO CUBS -115