The Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves clash Thursday in game 3 of an MLB series at Truist Park. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Chicago Cubs Betting Preview

The Cubs need a win after losing 6 of their last 10 games. The Cubs are tied with the Marlins for the last NL wild card spot. The Cubs pitching staff is 14th in ERA (4.08), 14th in WHIP (1.28) and 4th in quality starts (71). The Cubs’ offense is 6th in runs per game (5.08), 10th in batting average (.255) and 14th in homers (191). Nico Hoerner leads the Cubs with 173 hits and 68 RBI, while Cody Bollinger and Seiya Suzuki have combined for 293 hits and 138 RBI. Marcus Stroman gets the ball, and he is 10-8 with a 3.88 ERA and 117 strikeouts this season. Stroman is 4-2 with a 2.25 ERA and 31 strikeouts in his career against the Braves.

Chicago Cubs Team Facts

The Cubs have lost each of their last seven road games.
The Cubs have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven road games after going to extra innings.
The Cubs have led after 3 innings in each of their last three games against NL East opponents.
The Cubs have led after 5 innings in each of their last four games against the Braves.
The Cubs have led after 7 innings in each of their last five games.

Atlanta Braves Betting Preview

The Braves look to build on their 3-game winning streak. The Braves have the best record in baseball. The Braves pitching staff is 15th in ERA (4.08), 17th in WHIP (1.30) and 11th in quality starts (60). The Braves’ offense is 1st in runs per game (5.84), 1st in batting average (.276) and 1st in homers (303). Ronald Acuna Jr. leads the Braves with 213 hits and 104 RBI, while Austin Riley and Matt Olson have combined for 340 hits and 230 RBI. AJ Smith-Shawver gets the ball, and he is 1-0 with a 4.57 ERA and 18 strikeouts this season. This will be Smith-Shawver’s first career game against the Cubs.

Atlanta Braves Team Facts

The Braves have won 14 of their last 15 night games against National League opponents following a home win.
The Braves have failed to cover the run line seven of their last eight games against teams that held a winning record.
The Braves have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last four games.
The Braves have trailed after 7 innings in each of their last four games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
The Braves have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last four games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.

Matchup/League Facts

The Atlanta Braves rank 1st in the league for runs scored this season (922).
The Atlanta Braves rank 1st in the league for hits this season (1498).
The Chicago Cubs are one of only 4 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and batting average this season.
The Chicago Cubs rank 5th in the league for on-base percentage this season (.331).

Randy’s Pick

The Cubs have more to play for as they’re fighting for their playoff lives with the Marlins for the last wild card spot, but their last two losses have been brutal, and it’s far to question how they’ll bounce back. A 6-run blown lead and dropped ball on Tuesday, and an extra inning loss last night. These are massive blows that can take its toll and have guys questioning teammates. Oh, the Braves are also the best team in baseball, with comfortably the best offense. Give me the Braves, as I don’t trust the Cubs as much as they probably trust themselves right now.