Cubs vs. Cardinals Prediction and Odds for June 25 (The St. Louis Lineup is Cleared for Liftoff)
By Josh Yourish
It’s Game 2 of this three-game weekend set in St. Louis. The Cubs took Game 1 as Kyle Hendricks posted an eight-inning shutout for the 3-0 win. St. Louis remains tied with Milwaukee for the lead in the NL Central at 40-33. Chicago sits in fourth place at 27-44.
Adrian Sampson is making his first start of the year for Chicago. Sampson has often toggled between the role of long-reliever and starter in his big league career. He did make 15 starts in 2019, but he also saw the mound 20 times out of the bullpen.
St. Louis counters with Miles Mikolas (5-5) making his 15th start of the year.
You can find odds at WynnBET Sportsbook.
Cubs vs. Cardinals Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line
- Cubs +1.5 (-120)
- Cardinals -1.5 (+100)
Moneyline
- Cubs +165
- Cardinals -180
Total
- 9.0 (Over -105/ Under -115)
Cubs vs. Cardinals Prediction and Pick
Adrian Sampson for the Cubs is making his first start this year, but has yet to allow an earned run in 5.2 innings pitched, all in relief. He threw 35.1 innings a season ago in Chicago and managed an impressive 2.80 ERA. When Sampson gets hurt, it seems to be because of the long ball. A year ago he allowed 15 runs and 11 of them were earned, but he gave up eight homers. If Sampson can keep the ball in the ballpark he can be a very effective spot starter.
Busch Stadium in St. Louis has played as a pitcher’s park this year, but slots fifth highest in home run park factor, even ahead of Wrigley Field. This could be bad news for Sampson.
The other bad news for the Cubs is Miles Mikolas and the 2.84 ERA he comes in with. Mikolas has faced the Cubs once this year and got the win, but did give up four runs over five innings. Regardless, I think St. Louis has an edge and will take Samspon deep enough to even the three-game series.
Pick: Cardinals -1.5 (+100)
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