The Chicago Cubs (24-18) travel to face off against the Atlanta Braves (25-13) on Tuesday, May 14th. This game will be played at Truist Park in Atlanta and televised on BSSO. The Braves are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Cubs are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Braves. First pitch is set for 7:20 ET.
Cubs vs Braves
The most recent game o of this Braves vs Cubs series came right down to the end, as the Cubs rallied late but still fell short with the Braves winning 2-0 at home. Heading into the game, the Braves were favored at -135 on the money line.
Reynaldo Lopez started for the Braves and picked up the win, going five innings and not giving up a run. He finished the game with just two strikeouts and allowed two hits. As for the Cubs, Shota Imanaga got the start and took the loss, giving up four earned runs in five innings of work.
Matt Olson provided the only offense the Braves would need, as he homered twice, scored two runs, and finished with two RBIs. Ozzie Albies also had a two-hit game for Atlanta.
Chicago is 24-18 overall this season, putting them 2nd in the NL Central, just a half-game behind the Brewers for the division lead. The Cubs are 4-2 in divisional games this year. They are coming into today’s game having gone 5-5 over their last 10.
At home, the Cubs have been good, going 13-6 this year. On the road, they are just under .500 at 11-12. So far, they have really taken advantage of being the favorite, going 11-6 in those games. As for their games as the underdog, the Cubs are 13-12 overall and 7-10 as the road underdog this season.
When the Cubs win, they win big, with an average run margin of 3.2 runs. However, when they lose, they lose big, with an average run margin of -3.4 runs. Their overall run line record is 24-18, but they have been better against the run line as the underdog, going 18-7. Their run line record at home is 10-9, while their run line record on the road is 14-9.
The Cubs have played 40 games this season, and 18 of them have had over/under lines set at 8 or higher. In those games, the over has gone 1-5. Their games have averaged 8.9 runs per game, and their over/under record for the season is 18-22. Today’s over/under line is set at 8, which is right around their season average. In their last game, they played a game with a total of 7.5 runs, and the game went under.
Jameson Taillon Gets The Start For The Cubs
Jameson Taillon has been off to a great start to the season for the Cubs, as he has picked up a win in each of his first three starts. He has been very efficient, only allowing 1 earned run in each of his last two starts. In his most recent outing, he went 6 innings and struck out 7 batters vs. the Brewers.
Cubs Offense Breakdown
Christopher Morel has been the Cubs’ top power threat this season, as his nine homers is 5th best in the league and leads the team. However, he is batting just .223 for the season. Morel has been swinging a hot bat of late, going 9/33 in his last 10 games with four homers. Cody Bellinger and Michael Busch are tied for 2nd on the team with seven homers apiece, with Bellinger hitting .255 and Busch at .252.
As a team, the Cubs are averaging 4.6 runs per game and have been a better offensive team at home, averaging 4.9 runs per game. They are also one of the league’s top home run hitting teams, coming into the game as the 10th best power-hitting team in the league. Overall, they are batting .237, which is 15th in the league.
With a record of 25-13, the Braves are 2nd in the NL East, two games behind the Phillies for the division lead. So far, they have been good against other teams in the NL East, going 10-5. The Braves took the first game of the series vs. the Cubs and have an overall series record of 9-3-1 this year.
At home, the Braves have been really good this year, going 14-4, and they have won four straight at home. They are also above .500 on the road, coming in at 11-9. So far, they have been the favorite in most of their games, where they have gone 25-10. As for their record as the underdog, they are 0-3 this year. In day games, the Braves are 10-4 this year, and they are 6-4 over their last 10 games overall.
When the Braves win, they win big, with an average run margin of 3.5 runs per game. They are 21-17 against the run line this season, including a 19-16 mark as the favorite. Their run line record at home is 9-9, but they have covered the run line in three straight home games. Their overall run line record is 21-17, and their average run margin is +1.2 runs per game.
Atlanta has had a string of low-scoring games, with the under hitting in seven straight. Their games have averaged 8.5 runs per game this season, and the over/under line for today’s game is set at 8 runs. The Braves have gone 12-24 on the over/under this season, and their games have had an average over/under line of 9 runs.
Chris Sale Gets The Start For The Braves
Chris Sale has been dominant at home this season, coming in with a record of 4-0 and an ERA of 2.13. Overall, he is 5-1 with a 2.95 ERA. Sale has made three quality starts and is averaging 10.97 strikeouts per nine innings. In his last outing, he didn’t give up a run, going six innings of work and picking up the win. Sale has won each of his last three starts. The left-hander has only allowed four home runs this season.
Braves Offense Breakdown
Marcell Ozuna has been on a tear of late for the Braves, going 11/23 in his last seven games with three homers and eight RBIs. For the season, he is hitting .329 with 12 homers and leads the MLB with 40 RBIs. Ozuna is also on a seven-game hitting streak. Catcher Travis d’Arnaud is also swinging a good bat for the Braves, with a season-long batting average of .269 and five homers.
As a team, the Braves are 7th in the league in scoring at 4.9 runs per game. They have been especially good at home, averaging 4.9 runs per contest. Overall, they are the league’s top home run hitting team and are batting a collective .255, which is 5th best in the league.
Cubs vs Braves Prediction
Our prediction for the Braves vs. Cubs game is to take the over, with the line sitting at 8 runs. We actually have the Braves winning this one 6-5, but with the payout for a Braves win sitting at -196, we think there is more value in taking the over.
Looking at some potential player props, Chris Sale is projected to finish with eight strikeouts, which is the highest among all starters today. As for Jameson Taillon, he is projected to finish with six K’s.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:May 14, 2024 Braves, Cubs