If you were asked to pick all 6 division winners right now, who would you be putting your money on? We all know that the standings as they look at this stage of the season are seldom how they look once we make it all the way to the end of the 162-game season. There are a couple of teams that immediately jump out, with the Houston Astros in the American League and the LA Dodgers in the National League looking the most likely to sustain their current level of play. We can say that because they have made a habit of playing at this level over the course of the last few seasons.

There are some teams, though, that look as though they might be in a dogfight to maintain their current divisional lead. It can be argued that the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs are in that position, as they have definite challengers in their respective divisions. These two head into the 3rd game in this series having split the opening 2 games, so it’s all to play for in this one. The Cubs are favored by 1 ½, with the run total set at 10 ½.

Phillies vs Cubs MLB Odds, Game Info & Expert Pick

• When: Wednesday, May 22 at 8:05 PM EST
• Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
• Starting Pitchers: Irvin vs. Hamels
• TV: MLB Extra Innings
• Radio: 670 The Score
• Live Stream: MLB.tv
• MLB Odds: Chicago Cubs -170 (Total 10.5)

Twins vs Angels MLB Lines & Pick for Wednesday Night

Why bet on the Philadelphia Phillies?

The Phillies had a decent season last year, but the addition of Bryce Harper in the offseason was supposed to be the move that put them over the top. While they are not blowing everyone out of the water, they have jumped out to a 28-20 record, which has them up by 2 ½ games on the Atlanta Braves in the NL East. Their opening 2 games in Chicago in this series ended in a split, which perfectly reflects their play on the road this season, where they are 10-10 SU.

Even with their loss on Tuesday night, the Phillies are still 6-4 in their last 10 games. They have also covered the spread in each of their last 3 games and are 6-3 ATS as a road dog. They will send Cole Irvin (2-0, 2.77 ERA) to the mound for this one.

Team Stats

Offense

• Runs: 4.92
• Hits: 8.19
• Walks: 4.08
• Strike Outs: 8.62

Defense

• Runs: 4.29
• Hits: 8.98
• Walks: 3.42
• Strike Outs: 8.46

Why bet on the Chicago Cubs?

The Chicago Cubs overcame a slow start to the season to get on a roll and surge to the top of the NL Central. They are still there now, 2 games up on the chasing pack, but this looks a like a division that is going to be competitive all the way to the finish. The Cubs lost the opening game of this series in extra innings, but they bounced back by winning another tight one 3-2 on Tuesday night.

This is a team that has not been a very good bet against the spread, failing to cover in each of their last 4 games and going 9-10 ATS as a road favorite. Overall at Wrigley this season, they are 13-10 ATS and 16-7 SU. Former Phillies starter Cole Hamels (4-0, 3.13 ERA) will start for the Cubs.

Team Stats

Offense

• Runs: 5.33
• Hits: 8.80
• Walks: 4.33
• Strike Outs: 8.89

Defense

• Runs: 4.04
• Hits: 8.04
• Walks: 3.98
• Strike Outs: 8.96

Phillies vs Cubs MLB Betting Trends

• Phillies are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games against Chi Cubs
• The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 6 games on the road
• Cubs are 14-6 SU in their last 20 games against an opponent in the National League
• The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Chi Cubs’ last 7 games at home
• Phillies are 41-60 against the money line in road games over the last 2 seasons
• Cubs are 18-7 against the money line when playing against a team with a winning record this season

Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Phillies vs Cubs

I think we are looking at yet another close game here, which is why I really like the Phillies ATS. I also think that the UNDER is a solid bet here.

Score: Philadelphia Phillies 3 – Chicago Cubs 4