Cubs vs. Orioles Prediction and Odds for Thursday, August 18 (Trust Chicago on Road)
By Reed Wallach
The Cubs stay in the DMV area after wrapping up a series with the Nationals to play in Baltimore against the Orioles.
The Cubs are in the early stages of their rebuild while the Orioles seem to be well ahead of schedule, firmly in the mix for the American League Wild Card behind the fine play of catcher Adley Rutschman. Can the O's, who are traveling from Toronto, keep it rolling against an inferior opponent?
Here are the odds from consensus sportsbook:
Cubs vs. Orioles Odds, Run Line, Total
Run Line:
- Cubs: +1.5 (-150)
- Orioles: -1.5 (+125)
Moneyline:
- Cubs: +140
- Orioles: -150
Total:
- 9 (Over +105 / Under -125)
Cubs vs. Orioles Prediction and Pick
The Orioles have been overachieving all season long, typically in the underdog role, but this is a different case as they enter as favorites against the Cubs.
I think the adjustment is going to come back to bite the O's as I give the Cubbies an advantage on the mound.
Adrian Sampson has looked strong in his nine starts this season, posting a 3.88 ERA with a 3.60 FIP while walking less than three batters per nine innings. Sampson has allowed more than three runs in just two of his starts this season and I expect him to cool down a sweet swinging Orioles team that is traveling back from Toronto after a competitive series against the Blue Jays.
Meanwhile, the Orioles counter with Spenser Watkins, who has a 4.23 ERA and a FIP that is slightly higher than that. He struggles to generate swing and misses, less than six strikeouts per nine innings and he allows a ton of hard contact.
Baltimore is a great underdog bet, but I'm not rushing to bet them as a favorite.
LEAN: Cubs ML (+140)
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