Toronto Blue Jays (57-66) vs. Chicago Cubs (61-63)
August 18, 2024, 2:20 p.m. EDT
The Line: Chicago Cubs -167 / Toronto Blue Jays +141; Over/Under: 7
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In this article, we will give a prediction for the Chicago Cubs vs. Toronto Blue Jays game for this MLB game on Sunday, August 18th at Wrigley Field.
Cubs want sweep
The Cubs have won two games in a row against the Toronto Blue Jays, with each game ending by a one-run margin. On Saturday, Cubs pitchers allowed just two runs, finishing with a one-run win. Ian Happ had a strong game, hitting a home run and getting an RBI. The Cubs are averaging 4.2 runs while their pitchers are allowing 4.17 runs per game. Their offense is ranked 20th in the league, while their pitchers are ranked 11th. Ian Happ has hit 22 home runs and had 69 RBIs so far this season. Starting for the Cubs is Shota Imanaga, who has a 9-2 record and a 3.16 ERA. In his last start against the Cleveland Guardians, he allowed seven hits and seven runs in five innings.
Why the Cubs will beat the Blue Jays
- The Blue Jays have lost their last ten games as underdogs against opponents from the NL Central.
- The Cubs have won 11 of their last 12 home games against American League opponents with a losing record.
- The Cubs have covered the run line in nine of their last 12 games against American League opponents after playing the previous day.
Blue Jays offense wants to strike back
The Blue Jays faced the Cubs on Saturday and scored just two runs. Chris Bassitt went five innings and allowed five hits and three runs. The Blue Jays average 4.12 runs per game while their pitchers allow 4.76 runs per game. Their offense ranks 24th in the league and their pitchers 25th. Vladimir Guerrero hit 25 home runs and had 80 RBIs. Starting for the Blue Jays is Bowden Francis, who has a record of 5-3 and a 4.92 ERA. In his last start against the Los Angeles Angels, he went seven innings and allowed one hit and zero runs.
Prediction for Chicago Cubs vs Toronto Blue Jays
Imanaga is off to a rough start, but overall he has a 3.16 ERA and will bounce back here. Francis allowed zero runs in his last start and the Cubs are really going to have trouble getting the offense going here. Both offenses are really going to struggle here and neither team will reach the four-run mark. This is one of my favorite plays on the board. Bet the under to make money.
