Free Picks: Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Two top teams in the NL Central, the Cubs and Cardinals add to their historic rivalry this weekend. With the Cardinals trailing the Cubs in the standings, St. Louis will need to cover ground on the road. The Cubs are rolling and are one of the best teams at home in the MLB, can they maintain their winning ways on Friday?

It’s currently a 3-team race in the NL Central. The Chicago Cubs own top spot, with the Milwaukee Brewers and Cardinals trailing. Entering this three-game set, the Cardinal can cover ground against their rivals.  

What’s interesting is that the Cubs have not named a starting pitcher for tomorrow’s contest. With the game being played mid-afternoon, the Cubs should name a starter in the early morning. 

I don’t necessarily know if that benefits St. Louis because it will give the Cardinals’ lineup less time to prepare. However, St. Louis has named their starter and it will be Johan Oviedo getting the nod. 

Hailed as the Cardinals’ no. 9 prospect, Oviedo is 0-2 on the year with a 5.32 ERA but after two shaky starts, pitched well against the Reds during his last pitching appearance. 

A stat that impacts this MLB prediction is the Cubs’ total runs. Chicago has scored 283 runs this season, which is good for 6th in the National League. St. Louis has potential for an explosive offense but has scored 20 fewer runs than the Cubs in as many games played.

The Cardinals haven’t played well defensively in terms of runs against on the road, either. In 31 games this season away from Busch Stadium, St. Louis has allowed 151 runs. 

I think for this free MLB pick taking the Cubs’ Moneyline will be the play. I don’t think the value is necessarily the best, but even so, I think it’s the best bet you can make if you are interested in selecting a winner straight up. 

The Cubs and Cardinals are also opposites looking at their last 10 games. Chicago is 6-4 in their last 10, while the Cardinals are 2-8. It’s been a rough stretch for St. Louis that I believe will continue.

St. Louis has some weaponry at the dish, but I don’t think they can compete with the Cubs for this expert MLB pick.

• The Cubs are 21-10 at home this season. 
• Chicago are 22-10 as the favorites in 2021.
• Chicago have won 3 of their last 4 games. 
• The Cardinals rank 25th for hits on the road