St. Louis Cardinals (56-52) vs. Chicago Cubs (52-58)
August 1, 2024 8:05 pm EDT
The Line: Chicago Cubs -115 / St. Louis Cardinals -105; Over/Under: +7.5
Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals: August 1st Game Prediction
This article provides a comprehensive prediction for the upcoming MLB game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals set to take place on Thursday, August 1st at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, the first game in the series.
Chicago Cubs: Able to Avoid the Sweep
The Chicago Cubs, with a current record of 52-58 this season, have shown some prowess by winning three of their last five games. Despite a recent series loss against Cincinnati, losing two out of three games, the Cubs previously secured victories against the Royals and showcased competitiveness against teams like the Brewers and the Diamondbacks. Their recent performance led them to a 3-5 record in their last eight games, and currently, they hold the bottom position in the NL Central.
The Cubs’ pitching staff has maintained a 3.79 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and a .238 opponent batting average. Their offense has recorded 457 runs, boasting a .234 batting average and a .310 on-base percentage. Notably, Seiya Suzuki has been a standout player, maintaining a .270 batting average, along with 15 home runs and 52 RBIs this season. Recently, the Cubs have shown offensive strength by scoring at least seven runs in three of their last five games.
St. Louis Cardinals: Picking Up Momentum
The St. Louis Cardinals, currently holding a 56-52 record for the season, have also displayed commendable form, winning three of their last four games. They recently secured a series win against Texas by claiming victory in two out of three games. Although they faced setbacks against teams like the Nationals and the Pirates, they managed to clinch wins against contenders such as the Braves. With a 4-5 record in their last nine games, the Cardinals presently hold the second position in the NL Central.
St. Louis’s pitching staff has maintained a 4.04 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP, and a .251 opponent batting average. Their offense has scored 454 runs, showcasing a .247 batting average and a .310 on-base percentage. Noteworthy performances include Nolan Arenado’s .263 batting average, along with 11 home runs and 45 RBIs this season. The team has recently demonstrated offensive prowess, scoring at least eight runs in three of their last six games.
Starting Pitchers
The projected starting pitcher for Chicago is Shota Imanaga, who boasts an 8-2 record with a 2.95 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP over 109.2 innings pitched this season. Contrastingly, St. Louis is expected to start with Sonny Gray, who holds a 10-6 record, along with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over 111.2 innings pitched this season.
Key Points
Why the Cubs Could Prevail
- The Cardinals have faced difficulties against NL Central opponents following a win, losing four of their last five games.
- The Cubs have displayed dominance in their night games against the Cardinals, winning their last four encounters following a previous victory.
- Furthermore, the Cardinals have struggled to cover the run line in their recent games against National League opponents with a losing record, while the Cubs have excelled in covering the run line in night games against the Cardinals after a win.
Game Predictions and Player Prop Insights
The upcoming game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals promises an intriguing match, yielding various statistical insights and player prop facts that can play a significant role in determining the course of the game.
Total Runs Insights
- In the Cubs’ recent home games, each of the last nine have remained under the total runs line.
- Meanwhile, the Cardinals have seen their last five games as road underdogs also fall under the total runs line.
- Notably, the ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has consistently hit in recent games, highlighting a trend worth considering.
Chicago Cubs Player Prop Facts
- Several key players such as Cody Bellinger, Ian Happ, Shota Imanaga, and others have displayed consistent performances in various game scenarios.
- Notable achievements include players recording RBIs, runs, strikeouts, and hits in specific game situations, showcasing their potential impact on the game’s outcome.
St. Louis Cardinals Player Prop Facts
- Similarly, the St. Louis Cardinals have their own set of players demonstrating reliable performances, including hitting home runs, recording RBIs, strikeouts, and runs in particular game setups.
Matchup/League Facts
- Statistical standings also shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, emphasizing factors such as walks, home runs, strikeouts, and doubles, providing a broader context for the upcoming game.
Prediction
The Cardinals, trailing just five games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central race, have shown potency in scoring runs. However, the Cubs, although playing poorly in recent months, have demonstrated resilience in avoiding being swept and have a home advantage. Key pitcher statistics reveal strengths and struggles on both sides, impacting the overall forecast for the game. Considering recent performance patterns and player form, a close forecast suggests the Cubs emerging victorious.
In conclusion, aspects such as recent team performances, player prop insights, and statistical standings collectively point towards a compelling matchup. While the game appears promising for both teams, the forecast tilts in favor of the Chicago Cubs for the upcoming fixture against the St. Louis Cardinals.
