Astros vs Cubs odds - Cubs to put stop to Wrigley struggles against Astros
Most online sports betting sites figured Chicago would have an easy trip to the top of the National League Central, but they’ve stumbled out of the gate amid great expectations. They’ll welcome the Houston Astros to Wrigley Field on Friday to kick off a three-game series with their division rivals, and they’ll be aiming to snap a three-game losing skid to the Astros at home. US-friendly sportsbook odds should favor the Cubs.
- Both teams having pitching problems
- Cubs also battling injuries
- Lack of offense will be Houston’s downfall
Outside of Carlos Lee, the Astros don’t have many players on offense that can overpower, and Lance Berkman has been especially disappointing as he’s battled various injuries. This puts pressure on the pitching staff to hold the opposition, but they’ve also struggled with a 4.57 ERA as of Wednesday. Grizzled vet Roy Oswalt is showing signs of decline, but Wandy Rodriguez is off to a decent start and could take some of the load off of Houston’s ace. If there is one thing the Astros do very well, it’s defense; Houston is second in the National League in fielding percentage. Still, sports betting odds aren’t putting much faith in the Astros this season.
Carlos Zambrano and Aramis Ramirez are both missing in action while Derek Lee is having neck problems, and it’s all contributed to a team that has been inconsistent to start the season. Kosuke Fukudome and Alfonso Soriano are holding up the offense, but the Cubs need Lee to be healthy, and they also need Milton Bradley to control his temper, which is highly unlikely. Ted Lilly and Rich Harden can hold down the rotation, but Ryan Dempster is not showing the form that made him an All-Star last year. Kevin Gregg is doing a great job as the Cubs’ closer, saving six of his seven opportunies so far.
Pitching matchup to watch: Saturday, May 16, 1:05 PM ET
Houston (Roy Oswalt, 1-2, 4.50) vs Chicago (Sean Marshall, 1-2, 4.06)
Skip’s Pick: The Cubs are far from playing their best baseball, and they’re still within striking distance of St. Louis in the Central. Their pitching struggles, but they have enough offensive firepower to give them a chance, which is a luxury the Astros don’t have unless Berkman and Miguel Tejada start driving in runs. The Cubs were swept at Wrigley late last season by the Astros, so revenge will factor into this series. Make the Chicago Cubs your baseball betting pick to win two of three this weekend.
Before his arm flamed out, Dale “Skip” Lalonde was famous for his high-90s heat and power at the plate. He retired young but never turned his back on baseball, earning the nickname “Skip” for his high-school coaching prowess. A true student of the game, he loves crunching the numbers when he handicaps baseball. Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
