The Chicago Cubs (8-10) and Atlanta Braves (8-11) meet Thursday for a 7:20 p.m. ET first pitch to close out a 3-game series at Truist Park. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Braves odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: tied 1-1.
The Cubs won Wednesday’s game 6-3 in 10 innings to level the series at 1 game apiece. The win was just Chicago’s second since April 19.
Braves pitchers walked 6 batters in Wednesday’s loss, and control has been an issue of late. Atlanta hurlers have combined to walk 5 batters or more 6 times over their last 9 games.
Cubs at Braves projected starters
LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Kyle Wright
Smyly (1-1, 2.45 ERA) has clocked a 1.02 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9 and 5.5 K/9 through 14 2/3 IP in 3 starts.
- Allowed 4 runs on 6 hits (2 home runs) in 5 IP versus the Pittsburgh Pirates Friday.
- Logged a 4.48 ERA across 126 2/3 IP last season.
- Has thus far benefited from a .244 batting average on balls in play and a much higher than average left-on-base rate.
Wright (2-0, 1.06 ERA) makes his 4th start. He has a 0.77 WHIP, 1.1 BB/9 and 13.8 K/9 through 17 IP.
- Fanned 11 batters across 6 scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins Friday.
- Has struck out 20 batters (against 1 BB) over his last 11 IP.
- Owns a career 5.48 ERA and 1.51 WHIP with 87 IP across 5 Major League seasons.
Cubs at Braves odds and lines
- Money line: Cubs +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Braves -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-120) | Braves -1.5 (+100)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Cubs at Braves picks and predictions
Prediction
Braves 5, Cubs 3
Money line
Wright is for real, and the Atlanta bullpen — which has some value underneath some average surface numbers — heads into this game in better shape with respect to recent rest on the back end.
Figure both offenses being due for a market correction, one helping the hope nine and working against the visitors.
It all spells a lean toward Atlanta. PASS on the current tag but consider hopping on at -200 or better.
Run line/Against the spread
The Cubs are just 3-7 over their last 10 get-away games dating back to last season.
BRAVES -1.5 (+100) — at that price — is one of the best plays on the board for the final Thursday in April.
Over/Under
Respecting a well-made total here: PASS.