In this article we will formulate a Braves vs Cubs prediction for this MLB game on Monday, September 8th at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
The Atlanta Braves are 64-79 this year after they lost two out of three against Seattle by scores of 4-1, 2-10, and 2-18. In their game three loss, Atlanta allowed the first 10 runs in the game and never had a chance in the blowout loss. The Braves recorded six hits in the game and they were led by Harris II and Profar, who both had one RBI in the loss. Atlanta started Wentz, who allowed eight hits and eight earned runs over 2.1 innings for the loss, while Munoz allowed five earned runs in relief.
Prior to that series, the Braves lost two out of three against the Cubs and three out of four against the Phillies. Atlanta has lost four of their last six games and they are fourth in the NL East standings. The Atlanta pitching staff has a 4.47 ERA with a 1.31 WHIP and a .247 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 626 runs with a .243 batting average and a .319 on base percentage this year. Matt Olson has led Atlanta with 22 home runs and 79 RBIs, while Marcell Ozuna has added 20 home runs and 62 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Atlanta is Bryce Elder, who is 6-9 with a 5.54 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP over 131.2 innings pitched this year.
Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
The Chicago Cubs are 81-62 this season after they lost two out of three against the Nationals by scores of 11-5, 1-2, and 3-6. In their game three loss, Chicago led 3-1 in the ninth inning, but allowed five runs in the ninth for the tough loss. The Cubs recorded eight hits in the game and they were led by Kelly, who went 2-4 with two home runs and two RBIs in the loss. Chicago used Rea as a bulk reliever, who allowed three hits and one earned run over 5.1 innings, while Palencia picked up the loss.
Prior to that series, the Cubs won two out of three against the Braves and two out of three against the Rockies. Chicago has lost three of their last four games and they are currently second in the NL Central standings. The Chicago pitching staff has a 3.89 ERA with a 1.20 WHIP and a .242 opponent batting average, while their offense has scored 703 runs with a .249 batting average and a .320 on base percentage this season. Seiya Suzuki has led Chicago with 27 home runs and 90 RBIs, while Pete Crow-Armstrong has added 28 home runs and 85 RBIs this year. The projected starting pitcher for Chicago is Shota Imanaga, who is 9-6 with a 3.15 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP over 123.0 innings pitched this season.
Why the Cubs will beat the Braves
- The Braves have lost eight of their last nine home games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
- The Cubs have won each of their last seven games as road favorites against NL East opponents following a home loss.
- The Braves have failed to cover the run line in each of their last seven night games against NL Central opponents following a home loss.
- The Cubs have covered the run line in each of their last six night games against NL East opponents following a loss.
- The Braves have trailed after 3 innings in each of their last four home games against National League opponents.
- The Braves have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last eight home games against National League opponents that held a winning record.
Total Runs Facts
- Each of the Braves’ last five night games as underdogs have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- Five of the Cubs’ last six night games against NL East opponents have gone UNDER the total runs line.
- The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Braves’ last seven home games against National League opponents.
- The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in four of the Cubs’ last five games at Truist Park.
Atlanta Braves Player Prop Facts
- Ozzie Albies has hit a home run in each of the Braves’ last two games against the Cubs.
- Austin Riley has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 home appearances against NL Central opponents.
Chicago Cubs Player Prop Facts
- Ian Happ has hit at least one home run in three of the Cubs’ last four road games against NL East opponents.
- Shota Imanaga has recorded five or more strikeouts in six of his last seven appearances.
- Ian Happ has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 appearances in night games against NL East teams that held a losing record.
- Kyle Tucker has recorded a Double in three of the Cubs’ last four road games.
- Shota Imanaga has recorded a win in each of his five previous appearances in night games against NL teams that held a losing record.
- Pete Crow-Armstrong ranks T8th in the league in Steals (32) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Braves rank 4th in the league for walks this season (506).
- The Braves rank 26th in the league for doubles this season (215).
- The Cubs rank 1st in the league for walks allowed this season (368).
- The Cubs rank 3rd in the league for steals this season (143).
Braves vs Cubs Prediction
Both of these teams are coming off of series losses over the weekend and will try to bounce back in this game. The Cubs are 37-34 on the road this season, while the Braves are 34-35 at home. Atlanta has allowed 28 runs in their last two games and they are starting Elder, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in three straight starts. The Braves are going with Imanaga, who has allowed three earned runs or fewer in five straight outings. I think the Cubs have a huge advantage with the starting pitching, so I like them to win here.