In this article, we will formulate an Astros vs Cubs prediction for this MLB game on Friday, June 27, at Daikin Park in Houston, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
The Chicago Cubs (48-33, 23-18 Away) were in poor form with five wins in six games, but returned to winning ways against the St. Louis Cardinals in the latest series. The Cubs lost the opening two games but responded magnificently with a couple of wins to earn a split. They kept the Cards off the scoreboard in both! In Thursday’s 3-0 victory, Shota Imanaga got the win after allowing no runs on one hit with three strikeouts and one walk across 5.0 innings of work.
This year, the Cubs average 5.40 runs per game (2nd in the MLB) on a .256/.325/.444 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Cubs’ staff has a 3.85 ERA (13th) and 1.25 WHIP (14th). Seiya Suzuki leads the Cubs with a .256 batting average, 21 home runs, and 67 RBI this season.
The projected starting pitcher for the Cubs is Cade Horton, who is 3-1 in seven starts this season, with a 3.73 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 41.0 innings.
Houston Astros Betting Preview
The Houston Astros (48-33, 30-13 Home) are unbeaten in the previous ten series and are coming from a series sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies. Houston was defensively dominant through three games, allowing just one run in the process. In last night’s 2-1 victory, Hunter Brown pitched for 7.0 innings in a no-decision, allowing no runs on three hits with nine strikeouts and no walks. Bryan Abreu was credited with the win.
This season, the Astros average 4.17runs per game (21st in the MLB) on a .255/.321/.399 triple-slash. When it comes to pitching, the Astros’ staff has a 3.40 ERA (3rd) and 1.14 WHIP (2nd). Isaac Paredes leads the Astros with a .251 batting average, 16 home runs, and 46 RBI this season.
Brandon Walter will take the mound for the Astros on Friday. The 28-year-old left-hander has a 0-1 record in four starts this year with a 3.80 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 23.2 innings.
Why the Cubs will beat the Astros
- The Cubs have won each of their last eight road games against AL West opponents following a win.
- The Astros have lost six of their last eight games against NL Central opponents following a win.
- The Cubs have covered the run line in each of their last seven road games against AL West opponents following a road win.
- The Astros have failed to cover the run line each of their last four night games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
- The Astros have trailed after 5 innings in three of their last four night games at Daikin Park against NL Central opponents.
Total Runs Facts
- Eleven of the Cubs’ last 12 games against AL West opponents have gone OVER the total runs line.
- Each of the Astros’ last five home games have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the last eight night games between the Cubs and Astros.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Cubs’ last six night games at Daikin Park.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Astros rank 1st in the league for hits allowed this season (577).
- The Astros rank 2nd in the league for runs allowed this season (288).
- The Cubs rank 2nd in the league for RBIs this season (428).
- The Cubs rank 3rd in the league for home runs this season (119).
Astros vs Cubs Prediction
The teams have traded victories in the past couple of years, each recording five in the previous ten H2H encounters. The Cubs were better in the last three H2Hs, and I am backing them to extend that run to four wins on Friday. It’s going to be a tight affair, and it could really go either way, but I am giving a slight advantage to the visitors because of the pitching matchup. I think that Cade Horton is better than Brandon Walter, who was dismantled in his latest starts against the Angels, allowing seven runs in 6.0 innings. Although I expect Walter to bounce back, I don’t expect him to turn into Framber Valdez all of a sudden. The Cubs are solid against southpaws this season, having a .251 BA in 718 at-bats with 32 homers and 98 RBI. Back the Cubs.