Chicago Cubs (66-79) vs. Philadelphia Phillies (72-72)
September 16, 2021 6:05 pm EDT
The Line: Philadelphia Phillies -238 / Chicago Cubs +170; Over/Under: -7.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies meet Thursday in MLB action from Citizens Bank Park. This will be the final installment in a three-game series. Chicago took a three-run win in the opener, then on Wednesday the Phillies evened it up with a one-run win. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
The Cubs scored four runs in the fifth inning in the Tuesday opener, cruising to a 6-3 win. In the Wednesday game two the Cubs fought back from a 3-0 deficit and had the game tied in the ninth but couldn’t hold on in a 6-5 defeat. Alec Mills lasted 4.2 frames with four earned on six hits and two walks.
Starting pitcher for the Cubs on Thursday will be Kyle Hendricks. In his 166.2 innings this year Hendricks has 184 hits, 88 runs (84 earned) 29 homers allowed, 40 walks, 122 Ks and a 4.54 ERA.
Over on the Phillies’ side, they had an early lead on Tuesday in the opener but couldn’t catch back up with six team hits. In the Wednesday game, Philly had 11 hits during the walk-off victory. Ranger Suarez put up 6.0 innings with two earned on six hits and a walk.
For the starter gig in the Thursday finale, the Phillies didn’t initially announce a name.
The Cubs are 3-10 in their last 13 in game three of a series and 1-5 in their last six Thursday games. The over is also 5-1 in Chicago’s last six in game three of a series.
Meanwhile, the Phillies are 5-1 in their last six in game three of a series and the under is 4-1 in their last five in game three of a series. The under is 13-4-1 in Philly’s last 18 at home versus a right-handed starter as well.
PICK: I’m probably sticking with the Cubs. Hendricks is going to need another good outing, though. He’s coming off one earned on four hits and two walks in 6.0 innings versus the Giants, but had a bad run prior to that. In his two previous starts, Hendricks put up 14 earned on 12 hits, four homers and five walks in 9.0 frames. So long as he can keep it going, I think Chicago will be okay here.
