Cubs vs Braves MLB Lines, Betting Analysis & Expert Pick

Cubs vs Braves MLB Lines, Betting Analysis & Expert Pick

Written by on April 3, 2019

The Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves, two contenders for the National League pennant, throw down on Wednesday night in what should be an excellent matchup. Chicago sends ace Jon Lester to the mound while the Braves counter with their ace, Julio Teheran. Which top NL team will come out on top? Check out MLB betting odds along with analysis and a free pick!

Cubs vs Braves MLB Lines, Betting Analysis & Expert Pick

  • When: Wednesday, April 3 at 7:20pm ET
  • Where: SunTrust Park, Smyrna, GA
  • TV: ESPN
  • Radio: Chicago / Atlanta
  • Live Stream: MLB.tv
  • Moneyline Odds: Braves -115
  • Over/Under Total Odds: 8 ½

Why Chicago Cubs are a good bet to win at -105?

So far, the 1-3 Cubs haven’t shown that they’re the team to beat in the NL Central Division. The Cubs aren’t hitting the ball particularly well while they’ve struggled in their bullpen.

But, look who was on the mound for the lone victory this season? That’s right, Jon Lester. In his season debut, Lester allowed 2 earned runs off 4 hits in 6 innings. The Cubs dominated the Rangers 12-4. With Lester on the mound, Chicago can end the losing streak.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Runs/G: 7.00
  • BA: .327
  • OPS: .939
  • HR: 6
  • SB: 2
Defense:
  • ERA: 6.75
  • WHIP: 2.01
  • KS: 36
  • Quality Starts: 1
  • Errors: 6

Why Atlanta Braves are a good bet to win at -115?

Are the Braves a secure bet in the MLB lines?

The new look Philadelphia Phillies dominated Braves starter Julio Teheran in his first foray to the mound this season. Philly ran Teheran off the mound in 5 innings after he allowed 3 earned runs off 4 hits.

Teheran did strike out 7 in those 5 innings, though. If he’s got his stuff working on Wednesday night, the Braves could most definitely take this game because the Cubs aren’t hitting well right now.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Runs/G: 4.75
  • BA: .252
  • OPS: .795
  • HR: 5
  • SB: 3
Defense:
  • ERA: 6.27
  • WHIP: 1.64
  • KS: 31
  • Quality Starts: 0
  • Errors: 3

MLB Betting Trends for Chicago Cubs at Atlanta Braves

  • Cubs are 18-3 in Lester’s last 21 road starts versus a team with a losing record
  • Cubs are 5-1 in Lester’s last 6 starts after scoring 2 runs or less in their previous game
  • Cubs are 41-10 in Lester’s last 51 starts versus a team with a losing record
  • Braves are 4-1 in Teheran’s last 5 starts versus a team with a losing record
  • Braves are 1-4 in Teheran’s last 5 starts in game 2 of a series
  • Braves are 1-4 in Teheran’s last 5 starts when their opponent scores 2 runs or less in their previous game

Cubs vs Braves Final MLB Betting Analysis

Teheran does very well against the Chicago Cubs. From 74 at-bats, the Cubs hit .184. Kyle Schwarber has the best average against Teheran, but he’s only faced the Braves starter 7 times. Schwarber, though, is batting .385, which means he could have a say in the outcome of this one.

The key for both squads is how well the middle relief plays once Teheran and Lester leave the game. So far, neither middle relief has lived up to the hype although the Braves dominated the Cubs in the first game in the series, beating Chicago 8-0.

The home team gets the edge while the road team offers better odds. The Braves are just like the Cubs at 1-3. Taking the better odds on Chicago to get it done.

MLB Betting Pick: Cubs -105