Chicago Cubs at San Diego Padres odds, picks and predictions
The Chicago Cubs (6-4) continue their 3-game series with the San Diego Padres (6-7) Tuesday. First pitch from Petco Park is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET (TBS). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Cubs vs. Padresodds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Padres lead 1-0
San Diego rallied for a 9-8 victory Monday in a roller-coaster ride of a game. The Cubs led 8-0 after 5½ innings, scoring 4 in the 2nd and 4 in the 4th without any homers. But the Padres put together a 7-run 6th inning, behind two 2-run homers -- 1 apiece from 1B Jake Cronenworth and 2B Xander Bogaerts.
The Padres took the lead in the bottom of the 8th on RF Fernando Tatis Jr.'s 2-out, 2-run blast and held on for the comeback victory. The last time the Cubs lost after leading by 8 or more runs was in 2002, according to ESPN. It was a run of 234 consecutive victories in the scenario.
Cubs at Padres projected starters
RHP Ben Brown vs. RHP Joe Musgrove
The rookie Brown (0-0, 11.12 ERA) makes his 1st career start. He has a 1.94 WHIP, 4.8 BB/9 and 9.5 K/9 in 5 2/3 innings.
- In 1st road appearance, pitched 1 2/3 IP allowing 6 ER -- for a 32.40 ERA -- on 5 H, 2 BB with 1 K
- Vs. left-handed batters (so far): 1.18 OPS with 0 K against 12 plate appearances (10 ABs)
Musgrove (1-1, 6.28 ERA) is slated to make his 4th start. He has a 1.67 WHIP, 2.5 BB/9 and 7.5 K/9 in 14 1/3 innings.
- 2023 home starts: 6-1, 3.04 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 9.3 K/9 in 10 starts -- 56 1/3 IP
- 6-1 with 2.12 ERA against opponents with winning records in 2023, vs. 4-1 with 4.08 ERA against teams below .500%.
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Cubs at Padres odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:55 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Padres -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs +1.5 (-175) | Padres -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8 (O: +100 | U: -120)
Cubs at Padres picks and predictions
Prediction
Padres 7, Cubs 6
Moneyline
Monday was a heartbreaker for the Cubs, and Tuesday's game doesn't seem like a great comeback spot. The Cubs are 1-3 on the road to start the season. With the Cubs starting a rookie on the hill, I like the Padres.
LEAN SAN DIEGO (-145).
Run line/Against the spread
While Chicago has a poor straight-up record away from the friendly confines, is 3-1 ATS. The Padres, on the other hand, are just 2-6 against the spread at Petco.
But backing Chicago +1.5 (-175) is too chalky, especially since I am picking San Diego on the moneyline.
PASS.
Over/Under
The Cubs are off to a 7-3 O/U record to start the season. Trends for Tuesday's game point to another high-scoring game. The Over is 5-2 (71.4%) when the Cubs are underdogs, and 3-0 following a Cubs loss. On top of that, the Over is 5-2-1 when the Padres are at home.
BET OVER 8 (+100).
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