Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Can the Braves Build Momentum in This Series Opener?
Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs Prediction: Can the Braves Build Momentum in This Series Opener?
Braves vs. Cubs Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: April 26, 2022
- Game Time: 7:20 pm ET
- Where to Watch: MLB Extra Innings
Click Here for Braves vs Cubs Odds
The defending World Series Champions are off to a rough start this season. The Atlanta Braves are 7-10 through 17 games and already find themselves 5.5 games behind the first-place Mets in the NL East. However, the Braves look to get right in a three-game home series against a Chicago Cubs team that is 7-9 but has won just three of their last ten games.
Will this be the series where Atlanta finally gains some momentum, or will the World Series hangover continue?
Read on for our best play in tonight's Cubs-Braves series opener.
Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs Prediction
Atlanta has not played the most demanding schedule, but they still find themselves three games under .500. The Braves are 0-3-2 in their five series, despite playing four of the five against non-playoff teams from a year ago (Reds, Nationals, Padres, Marlins). In addition, the Braves have not won more than two consecutive games to start the season and face arguably Chicago's most talented pitcher in this series opener.
While Marcus Stroman (0-2, 8.78) has had one of the best careers of any Cubs pitcher, his start to the 2022 season has been rocky. Stroman has allowed three home runs in his 13.1 combined innings and has struggled with command, walking six batters. Stroman's FIP of 5.26 is on pace to be the worst of his career, as is his 1.650 WHIP. The only thing Stroman has done well to this point is strike batters out, as his 9.5 K's/9 is on pace to be the highest of his career.
Stroman is opposed by Atlanta's Max Fried (1-2, 3.50), who is coming off by far his best outing of the season. Fried held the Dodgers scoreless over seven innings in his first win of the season last Tuesday. He held Los Angeles to two hits and struck out eight batters while walking none. The Cubs rank ninth in OPS against left-handed pitching, but they have not seen a pitcher as talented as Fried.
Atlanta is 6-1 in their last seven home games against the Cubs, and Chicago is winless in its previous five games against teams with a losing record. The Braves have also won five of their last six games following an off day, and we expect Monday's day of rest to recharge their batteries and help them dispose of an inferior Cubs team. With Atlanta's moneyline odds being so steep, we opt for the better value with the runline.
Atlanta Braves vs Chicago Cubs Pick
PICK: Braves -1.5 Runs (+120) (Bet $100 to win $120)