Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians 8/12/24 – This game, scheduled for 6:40 PM ET on Monday August 12, 2024 at Progressive Field, will be an important one because the two teams are contending for their place in the playoffs. The clash between Chicago Cubs (59-60) and Cleveland Guardians (69-49) is one that ought to be worth checking out by anybody fervently taking part in sports betting including the ones who invest in premium sports picks.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians 8/12/24 Game Info |
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| When: | Monday, August 12, 2024 at 6:40 PM ET |
| Where: | Progressive Field |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Chicago Cubs (59-60) vs. Cleveland Guardians (69-49)
The Chicago Cubs are in a critical period of their season, resting just short of a .500 record. The home games may have been very miserable for the team but on their travels they have shown some promise. They have batted at an average of .236 as one team, scored 503 runs while making 122 home runs which demonstrates some measure of offensive ability even though it is not evenly visible. Despite this they also possess pitching that has resulted in a decent 3.73 ERA and 1.23 WHIP respectively therefore giving them a relatively flat defensive game if not spectacular one. This is a contest where they might be able to exploit their strengths and move closer to improving their season’s record, something that would be more important for fans following the Cardinals Reds game today given the divisional rivalry stakes.
On the other hand, the Cleveland Guardians enjoyed better standings but had a bad run losing seven out of nine last games played by them. They narrowly edge out the Cubs in terms of batting average (.240), runs (537) and home runs (133) indicating that this could be an offensive side with some fire power in it. However, this recent form poses some questions about its mental strength when under pressure situations arise from time to time during contests among teams in major league baseball with its long history. Their pitching staff isn’t much superior to the visitors as evident from almost similar Cubs ERA =3.77 and WHIP=1.22 values achieved by the guardians’ side too; thus, resulting into an interesting match hence for those who will also be watching the Astros vs Rays matchup today which heavily relies on good pitchers.
Shota Imanaga (9-2, 3.06 ERA) vs. Ben Lively (10-7, 3.59 ERA)
In the Cubs’ lineup, Shota Imanaga has shone brightly with a 9-2 record, an impressive 3.06 ERA and a strong 1.05 WHIP over 123.1 innings of play. He boasts of a pinpoint accuracy in terms of his pitching and control having fanned off a total of 128 batters against only walking 18 serving as one of the best starters for critical games for the Cubs. In dealing with the Guardians hitters who have shown great ability to score runs as seen earlier, it is therefore important that Imanaga minimize their impact on this game.
Ben Lively of the Guardians, on the other hand, has a respectable 10-7 record with a 3.59 ERA but slightly less dominant with a WHIP of 1.17 and 92 strikeouts in 110.1 innings. The Cubs might have an advantage over their competition if they are able to exploit his higher walk rate (34) when compared to Imanaga. Lively will need to be efficient against the Cubs’ lineup and use his know-how to work through tough frames given how close things are at present.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Chicago Cubs Spread -1.5 (+150), Total Odds: 8
When it comes to the betting odds, they seem to suggest a closely-fought duel with the Cubs slightly favored against the spread and nearly matched in terms of moneyline. The total over 8 at -110 indicates that this is an average scoring game anticipated by both teams considering their recent games.
Chicago Cubs Betting Trends
The Cubs have been scoring and allowing scores to go beyond the total in seven of their last ten games, which confirms their unpredictability in play. However, they have gone 5-1 SU in their last six games, which could indicate a revival. For bettors, it may be worthwhile to support the Cubs since they are playing well and enjoy a strong record against American League teams (6-1 SU in the last seven games).
Cleveland Guardians Betting Trends
At home, the Guardians have struggled recently with a record of 0-5 SU in their last five games, which is a worrying trend for their fans. They could be worried about this team’s ability to maintain its form against National League teams (1-4 SU over the past five games), particularly as it tries to establish itself among the top teams in the league.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Guardians 8/12/24 Betting Picks
With the dynamics in place, it may be said that the Cubs have some advantage due to their recent turn of events and Imanaga’s good pitching. But when Lively is playing at his home ground against the guardians, there is always that element of surprise. This means that apart from being risky to bet on them, for people who want to take risks a lot can be earned from betting on the Cubs’ spread. Considering both teams’ scoring trends lately though, total over could also be an option for those looking for more secure choices. Look forward to a closely fought match with the Cubs narrowly winning it thus making them strong picks for your top MLB free picks today.