San Diego Padres at Chicago Cubs odds, picks and predictions
The San Diego Padres (12-13) and Chicago Cubs (13-9) continue a 3-game set at Wrigley Field Wednesday. First pitch is at 7:40 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Padres vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs lead 1-0
The Padres were rudely welcomed to the friendly confines with a 6-0 shutout by the Cubs Tuesday. They managed just 5 hits in a brutal 40-degree evening. It figures to be a similar evening Wednesday, and the Friars are going to need a spark.
The Cubs got a great start from LHP Justin Steele Tuesday as he allowed just 3 hits over 5 1/3 shutout innings with 5 strikeouts. C Yan Gomes went 4-for-4 with a HR and 3 RBIs Tuesday. He’s hitting .309 with 5 homers and 12 RBIs on the young season. Chicago is 6-4 in the last 10 and sits just 2 games out of 1st place in the NL Central.
Padres at Cubs projected starters
RHP Michael Wacha vs. LHP Drew Smyly
Wacha (2-1, 7.08 ERA) makes his 5th start this season. He has a 1.72 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 8.0 K/9 in 20 1/3 IP.
- Last start vs. Arizona Thursday: 4 IP, 5 ER, 10 H, 1 BB, 3 K
- Has not faced Cubs since 2019; 0-2 with a 7.03 ERA in last 5 GS against them from 2017-19
Smyly (2-1, 3.13 ERA) makes his 5th start. He has a 0.91 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9 and 9.0 K/9 in 23 IP.
- Last start vs. Dodgers Friday: 7 2/3 IP, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 10 K
- Last start vs. San Diego Sept. 27, 2020: 5 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 10 K
Padres at Cubs odds
BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:09 a.m. ET.
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Padres at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 4, Padres 3
San Diego is a slight favorite, but I’m rolling with the Cubs again Wednesday. Wacha has allowed 12 ER in his last 2 starts and has bad history in Wrigley. Smyly has been so good the last 3 starts, I had to do a double take. He has allowed 2 ER in 18 2/3 IP (0.96 ERA). It’s slated to be 43 degrees again Wednesday. Advantage baby bears.
Take the CUBS -105.
The Cubs are 13-8 on the RL and 6-7 at home this season. And I love their side of the RL but don’t like the -185 attached to it. Head to the Win/Total section and take the CUBS AND UNDER 9.5 (+185).
You could go Cubs and Under 8.5 (+240) for an even bigger payout if you so choose.
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We smashed the Under at +105 here Tuesday, and the conditions are pretty similar Wednesday. It’s a chilly 43 degrees with a with a 9-mph gust coming in from right-center. The Padres are 5-4-1 O/U over the last 10, and Chicago is 6-4. I’m not as keen on the Under as I was yesterday, but I’ll still toss a HALF-UNIT at UNDER 7.5 (+100).
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