Cubs vs. Angels prediction and odds for Thursday, June 8 (Chicago will avoid sweep)

The Chicago Cubs have lost three straight games including two straight to the Los Angeles Angels.

They'll try to avoid the sweep tonight when the two teams play each other in their series finale.

At 26-35, the Cubs have to start winning games again in a hurry if they don't want to fall completely out of contention in the NL Central.

Let's take a look at the odds for tonight's game and then I'll give you my best bet.

The most important thing to know for tonight's interleague matchup is that it's a battle of lefties. Drew Smyly (3.56 ERA) will take on Reid Detmers (5.15 ERA) of the Angels.

The reason it's important is the Cubs have been significantly better offensively when facing left-handed pitchers this season. Their OPS increases from .649 against righties to .786 when facing lefties.

Now, they get to face a lefty in Detmers who has struggled all season. He has allowed at least three earned runs in five of his last six starts and he has yet to be credited with a win on the season, sporting an 0-5 record.

The Angels themselves have gone 3-7 in Detmers starts in 2023. Meanwhile, the Cubs are 7-5 in games where Smyly gets the start.

I'll back the Cubs as underdogs to avoid the sweep tonight.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.