Chicago Cubs (56-54) vs Atlanta Braves (70-37)
Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs 8/6/2023 — The Cubs established themselves as a contender over the past few months as they continue to move up the NL Central rankings. This might serve as a preview of the playoffs for the Braves because they continue to project as World Series favorites. Adding to the excitement, Expert MLB picks also lean towards the Braves‘ success. While a road series isn’t the easiest to finish, the Braves will expect to win this one, even though they looked like the top baseball team during the entire season. They now have the greatest record in baseball, and their last ten games saw them go 7-3.
Although the Cubs won’t lose easily, the result appears inevitable given the talent at their disposal. Having one of baseball’s top offenses to rely on in addition to the bullpen should inspire confidence. Their success this year was largely attributed to staying healthy, and with a full lineup, they’ll score runs in this one. One of baseball’s top players, Ronald Acuna Jr., continues to hit well (.338 average, .422 OBP), and Matt Olson (37 home runs, 92 RBI) contributed a lot of power. This lineup becomes even more dangerous with the addition of eight more players who hit at least ten home runs, as they will demonstrate in this game against a potential playoff opponent.
The Cubs appeared to be sellers when the trade deadline approached for much of the season. They just experienced a surge and appear to be playoff contenders eager to advance. They are only three games behind the NL Central leaders after going 7-3 in their previous ten games. It’s still difficult for them to win games against the Braves, but they have the formula to prevail regarding talent and momentum.
The Cubs’ offense became better throughout the course of the season, averaging 5.2 runs per game up to this point, but they’ll need to work hard to keep up with the Cubs. Recently, they benefited from staying healthy, and depth was also important. Ian Happ (.378 OBP) continues to be an excellent offensive threat, while Patrick Wisdom (19 home runs), Nico Hoerner (.277 average, 58 RBI), and Ian Happ developed into a strong combo. In this one, they’ll need to find the energy reserves to keep up, but they have the experience to pull it off.
Braves vs. Cubs Game Info
| When: | August 6, 2023 2:20 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Wrigley Field, IL |
| TV: | Marquee |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Charlie Morton (10–9, 3.62 ERA) vs Justin Steele (12–3, 2.65 ERA)
MLB.com reports that Charlie Morton will start for the Braves in this contest. Despite being the worst pitcher in the rotation, the righty enters Sunday as a solid option given the talent around him. He has a 10-9 record and a 3.62 ERA, but if he isn’t on his game early, the Cubs‘ offense might cause some problems. In his last three starts combined, he gave up 11 runs while not making it very far. Atlanta will be prepared to pick him up if necessary because their bullpen is firmly established as one of the finest in the league.
Justin Steele will get the ball as he attempts to enhance his Cy Young résumé, according to MLB.com. As the season went on, he excelled, as seen by his 12-6 record and 2.65 ERA. Given that Atlanta has the league’s most electrifying lineup, it might be difficult for him to win this game, but there’s little doubt that he won’t back down. However, he did give up four runs in his most recent start, which Chicago will be hoping isn’t an indication of what’s to come in the upcoming few months.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Atlanta Braves -113
Atlanta Braves Betting Trends
The Atlanta Braves are 6-2 SU in their last 8 matches.
The total went UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 6 matches on the road.
The Atlanta Braves are 5-1 SU in their last 6 matches against an opponent in the National League.
Chicago Cubs Betting Trends
The total went OVER in 4 of the Chi Cubs’ last 6 matches.
The Chi Cubs are 12-3 SU in their last 15 matches.
The total went UNDER in 4 of the Chi Cubs’ last 6 matches against Atlanta.
Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs 8/6/2023 Betting Picks
While the Cubs will be able to keep things close in one of Sunday’s finest matches, Atlanta’s talent on both sides will be too much for the home team to handle. Wagering tips also suggest that the Braves might have an edge in this matchup. The Cubs are outscoring the Cubs by an average of 0.7 runs each game, and since health is not an issue, Chicago will be unable to stay up with them. Steele struggled in his last one or two starts, so the Braves will have an advantage against him this time.
Free Pick and Prediction: Atlanta Braves will win 7-4.