18th Sept - Cubs vs Cardinals

We’re backing the Cubs in this game because of their superb form over the course of the last couple of months, they’ve been the best team in the MLB since July, and because of their record against Lance Lynn. However, it’s worth noting that Chicago’s pitcher tonight, Dan Haren, is something of an x-factor.

Haren has posted just one quality start since being acquired by the Cubs, which incidentally came against Lynn and the Cubs. We’re backing that to inspire some better form from the long-time pitcher who just hasn’t had his best stuff. He was hit hard and well in his most recent start against the Philadelphia Phillies.

St Louis’ hitting is going strong heading into this contest. The order with Carpenter, Pham, Jason Heyward, Yadier Molina and Jolten Wong has taken pretty good shape. Matt Holliday is also expected to participate in this series after making a pinch hitting appearance against Milwaukee.

Lynn will have a point to prove tonight. Overall, he is 11-10 with a 3.18 ERA, but against the Cubs in 2015 he is 0-3 with a 7.53 ERA. There’s something about playing Chicago.

Three Reasons for Betting Tips

1. Cubs form

They’ve won 33 of their last 47 games and they proved against the Pittsburgh Pirates (winning three of four) that they are a formidable opponent against the better teams. It’s hard to see the Cubs reining in St Louis’ seven-game lead for the division, but we’ll take them to get the better of the Cardinals in this series.

2. Lynn’s struggles in Chicago

Lynn is a decent pitcher, but he hasn’t had his stuff against Chicago so far in 2015-16 and we think that’ll be a factor at Wrigley Field tonight.

3. Carpenter hot streak runs out

St Louis’ recent victories have been led by some hot bats, including Matt Carpenter and rookie Tommy Pham. We think those streaks might just come to an end with the switch to Chicago.