Houston Astros vs
Chicago CubsPredictions & Preview

Astros Look to Bounce Back Against Cubs in Final Game of Interleague Series on the North Side

The article discusses the conclusion of an interleague series between two teams playing on the north side of the Windy City. Chicago took the lead in the series with a 7-2 victory in the opening game on Tuesday. The Houston Astros will try to bounce back from their early season struggles as they face off against the Chicago Cubs in the final game on Thursday afternoon. Justin Verlander is set to start for the Astros, while Javier Assad will take the mound for the Cubs. Despite Houston being the betting favorite at -125, the betting line has not moved. The article was published before the conclusion of the middle game of the series on Wednesday night at Wrigley Field.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Astros -125 | Cubs +108
• Spread: Astros -1.5 (+120) | Cubs +1.5 (-145)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Houston will win straight-up is 56%.

Houston vs Chicago Stats

Houston Astros

Houston Astros have been struggling, losing three straight and six of their last seven games. They were dominated by the Cubs in the opening game of the series and currently sit at the bottom of the AL West, 5.5 games behind the division leaders. In their recent game, they managed just six hits with Jose Altuve and Kyle Tucker leading the offense. Jake Meyers hit his third homer of the season in the loss. J.P. France took the loss on the mound after giving up five runs in the first inning. Justin Verlander, with a 1-0 record and a 3.00 ERA, is set to start in the next game against the Cubs. In terms of rankings, Houston is positioned at 26 overall, with the offense ranked 17th and the defense ranked 28th. They have a season record of 7-17. For those interested in betting on sports, there are recommendations for the best betting sites available.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Chicago Cubs had an impressive victory over Houston, led by a strong performance from Mike Tauchman and Cody Bellinger. Jordan Wicks earned the win on the mound, with Yency Almonte securing the save. Javier Assad will be pitching for the Cubs in the next game, coming in with a 2-0 record and a 2.11 ERA. The Cubs have a power ranking of 6 and are ranked #6 for offense, #23 for defense, and have an overall record of 14-9. Houston went 1-2 in their last three matchups against Chicago.

Houston Astros Struggling, Chicago Cubs Dominating in This Season's Match-up

The Houston Astros are currently facing a challenging period, as they find themselves 10 games below .500 for the first time since the beginning of the 2016 season. Despite a solid season debut from pitcher Verlander, the team has been struggling under the leadership of manager Joe Espada. In contrast, the Chicago Cubs have been performing well, winning seven of their last 10 games. Assad has been reliable in the rotation, while Justin Steele is on the IL. The Cubs have displayed strength at home, boasting an 8-3 record at Wrigley Field. Although the Astros have historically been a formidable opponent, their current performance raises doubts. It is advisable to consider betting on the Cubs, who have a strong track record at home. Betting on the Cubs to cover the spread or potentially win outright would be a wise choice in this match-up.

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