- What: MLB Regular Season Game
- When: Monday, June 24
- Who: Chicago Cubs vs. San Francisco Giants
- Tip-Off: 9:45 p.m. ET
- Where: Oracle Park (San Francisco, CA)
In the competitive National League, most teams, except the Marlins and Rockies, have a shot at snagging one of the three Wild Card spots.
However, if the struggling San Francisco Giants continue to lose games at their current pace, they could also slip out of playoff contention.
Chicago Cubs
This week, they will attempt to break their losing streak in a four-game series against the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs, also looking to improve their performance, are favored in Monday’s opener with a -115 moneyline and at +155 to win by two or more runs on the run line. The total is set at eight runs.
San Francisco’s main concern is their rotation, which is currently uncertain aside from Jordan Hicks (Thursday’s starter) and Logan Webb, who will miss the upcoming series.
You gotta see(gull) it. pic.twitter.com/XKyqlMWrSs
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) June 23, 2024
The Giants’ pitching staff has struggled due to injuries, leading them to rely on call-ups for spot starts and even bullpen games. It’s no surprise that the MLB betting lines favor the Cubs.
The Cubs have also faced challenges, losing two of three games to the red-hot Mets over the weekend. Their primary issue lies in scoring runs, as demonstrated by their low-scoring games against the Mets.
Apart from their recent series against the Giants, where they won two of three games, the Cubs’ offense has been mostly quiet throughout June.
San Francisco Giants
The Cubs vs. Giants scores and odds highlight the uncertainty surrounding San Francisco’s pitching plan. Even if it were clear, none of the options available are very promising.
Despite the Cubs’ recent offensive struggles, this matchup could be an opportunity for Chicago to turn things around.
San Francisco’s pitching plan is facing a significant challenge, to the point where they may need to call up pitchers from its Triple-A club just to have enough arms to get through this series.
The Giants will continue to honor Willie Mays with a special on-field gesture for tonight’s game ????https://t.co/gBkAzQu9MH
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 24, 2024
The Giants might resort to using multiple bullpen games to piece together their pitching strategy.
However, this opens up a potential opportunity for the Cubs to exploit, as almost any pitching arrangement San Francisco chooses will likely favor Chicago in the first three games.
It’s worth noting that the Cubs don’t have significant trouble getting on base; the challenge lies in their inconsistent batting with runners in scoring position.
These statistics can change unpredictably, so there’s reason to believe that the tide could turn in Chicago’s favor tonight.
Cubs-Giants Best Bet
I like the Cubs to win straight-up on the moneyline at -115. The Giants still haven’t announced who’s starting for them tonight, Tuesday, or Wednesday, making it even easier to expect Chicago to find a way to score enough runs.
If you’re feeling particularly confident in the Cubs (or pessimistic in the Giants), you can take them on the runline at +155 for excellent value.
Tonight, all uniformed #SFGiants personnel will wear 24 in honor of Willie Mays ???? pic.twitter.com/A8jn2QUhYq
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) June 24, 2024
The over eight runs (-105) even with Cubs’ ace Justin Steele on the mound is a good bet too considering San Francisco’s question marks in the rotation.
It’s always tricky when a starter faces the same team in consecutive starts as Steele will against the Giants — he tossed 6 2/3 strong innings against them on Tuesday — so look for the Giants to tag him for a few runs.
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