NL Spotlight: Braves vs Cubs Betting Preview: Game Two

The Chicago Cubs (82-75) have been officially eliminated from the National League Central race after blowing a 6-run lead against the Atlanta Braves (101-56). The Braves bullpen allowed just 1 earned run in 5.1 innings after starter Bryce Elder was hit hard (5 ER, 3.2IP, 4BB, 2K). Atlanta remained four games ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the National League and three games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles for the best record in the Majors.

Atlanta is a -153 favorite in game two, with a total of 10. First pitch is scheduled for 7:20 pm ET / 4:20 pm PT and can be seen on Marquee and Bally Sports South. We continue our Braves vs Cubs preview with a look at both teams from a betting perspective.

Cubs, Marlins Go Down To The Wire For Final WC Spot

The Miami Marlins were postponed in New York because the playing surface was unplayable after Tropical Storm Ophelia roared through Queens. The Marlins crept closer to the final wild-card spot with the Cubs loss. A half-game now separates the two teams, making daily MLB scores and odds watching a must.

The game will be made up Wednesday with a doubleheader. Chicago will send 8-game winner Jameson Taillon (8-10, 5.05) to the hill in game two. The 31-year-old has been sensational in his last three games, allowing just three earned runs in 17 innings. All three earned runs allowed were against the Colorado Rockies on September 13th. Chicago is an impressive 82-57 this season, but that hasn’t been good enough to turn a profit, with 3.55 units lost in 2023.

If the Cubbies finish in the red for bettors, it will be the third straight season betting Chicago has been a losing proposition (-18.31 units). The Cubs are 11-17 when Taillon gets the ball, costing bettors 7.44 units. The former Pittsburgh Pirates 1st-rounder is the worst starter to put your money behind on the Cubs staff, losing 5.68 units more than Drew Smyly (-1.76).

According to MLB stats 2023, this has been the worst season from a betting perspective in his seven seasons as a pro. We continue our Cubs vs Braves betting preview by turning our attention to the Atlanta Braves.

Braves Made Bettors Pay Up In Game One

We looked at the baseball lines Tuesday morning and wondered why professional money was all over the Chicago Cubs. Over 97% of the early money was coming in on the Cubbies, which settled down to 77% at first pitch. We know Justin Steele was starting for Chicago, but his last two starts were a disaster.

Anyway, it ended up perfect for the books with 51% of the tickets on the Braves, meaning most people left happy and the books made their money. It will be interesting to see early patterns in game two with Darius Vines (1-0, 4.40) making his second start.

The former Arizona State Sun Devil, among others, will be making his first start since August 30th at Colorado. In relief, he’s allowed five earned runs in 8.1 innings of work since his start (5.40 era). We conclude our Cubs vs Braves betting preview with our official selection.

Pitching Match-Up Forces Bet On Total

There is nothing about tonight’s starters that makes us feel easy when it comes to placing an underwager, so we won’t. The total of 10 has been a successful overwager in games involving the Braves with 20 wins in 37 games (+1.26 units). The Braves splits show that the over is 88-65-3 (15.21 units), second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers 88-60-8 (+20.10 units).

At home, the Bravos are 45-30-1 (over) cashing in +11.52 units of profit, the most in baseball. 10.5 isn’t always a friendly number to go over the total, but we’ll take our chances with the league’s top offenses against Taillon and his 5.05 era. That does it for our Cubs vs Braves betting preview, we wish you nothing but the best with your wagers.

For MLB schedule, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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