Cubs vs Cardinals MLB Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (7/12)

Today’s Cubs vs. Cardinals MLB predictions and best bets are brought to you by BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from MLB odds to the NBA and everything in between.

Friday’s MLB schedule is loaded with intriguing matchups, including the resumption of an NL Central rivalry when the Chicago Cubs (45-49) and St. Louis Cardinals (48-44) begin their four-game series at 8:15 p.m. ET.

After sweeping the Baltimore Orioles on the road, the Cubs arrive at Busch Stadium with a four-game winning streak. On the other hand, the Cardinals are determined to break their two-game losing streak after suffering back-to-back defeats in a doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals.

Which of these clubs’ streaks is bound to persist?

In this MLB betting preview for the Cubs vs. Cardinals matchup, we will delve into today’s predictions and top bets.

2024 MLB Betting Picks Record: 54-58-1 (48.2%)

MLB Betting Today: Cubs vs Cardinals (7/12)

Cubs vs Cardinals Game Information

Matchup: Chicago Cubs (45-49, 20-28 Away) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (48-44, 24-20 Home)
Venue & Location: Busch Stadium (St. Louis, MO)
Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
Game Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
How to Watch Cubs vs. Cardinals: MLB.TV, Fubo, Apple TV+

Cubs vs Cardinals MLB Probable Pitchers

Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (16 games/11 starts — 1-7, 7.53 ERA)
Cardinals: Sonny Gray (16 starts — 9-5, 3.30 ERA)

Cardinals vs Cubs MLB Odds & Spread

Cardinals vs. Cubs MLB odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Friday, July 12 at 10:35 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Cubs vs Cardinals Run Line

Chicago Cubs +1.5 (-125)
St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+105)

Cardinals vs Cubs Over/Under

Over 8 Runs (-113)
Under 8 Runs (-107)

Cubs vs Cardinals Moneyline

Chicago Cubs (+170)
St. Louis Cardinals (-186)

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Cubs vs Cardinals MLB Betting Trends

In their most recent five road games, the Cubs have won four games and lost only one.
In its last 19 games against the NL Central, St. Louis has a record of 13 wins and 6 losses.
In five out of the Cubs’ last six games, the total fell below the expected outcome.
In four out of the last six home games played by St. Louis, the total score exceeded the expected amount.
In seven out of the last eight Cubs-Cardinals matchups, the total fell below expectations.

Cubs vs Cardinals Predictions & MLB Picks Today (7/12)

Tonight’s game is the sixth encounter of the 2024 MLB season for these NL Central rivals. So far, the Cardinals have dominated, winning four out of the five previous matches against the Cubs. However, the overall score suggests a closer competition, with St. Louis outscoring Chicago by only two runs, 17-15.

However, in order to enhance their chances of making it to the playoffs, both teams need to secure a victory. The Cardinals are presently in possession of the NL No. 2 wild-card seed, but they face stiff competition as there are eight teams within a four-game range. One of their challengers is the Cubs, who are trailing by three games for the last playoff position.

The Cubs are currently enjoying a strong momentum, having won six out of their last seven games. Notably, they have secured victories against tough teams like the Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies. Additionally, Chicago has been outperforming their opponents by an impressive average of 6.0 runs during their four-game winning streak.

The Cardinals’ current form is difficult to gauge. Despite suffering consecutive losses against the Royals, it is important to consider that they had a strong 7-3 record in their last 10 games. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether their defeats on Wednesday were an anomaly or indicative of a larger issue.

Which version of the Cardinals will show up at Busch Stadium tonight?

The Cardinals have an advantage in their 52.0% winning rate against other teams in the NL Central this season, compared to the Cubs who have only achieved a 34.5% rate. It is worth noting that Chicago has lost 15 out of their last 20 divisional games, while St. Louis has won 13 out of their previous 19 matchups.

It is important to remember that in their previous three visits to Busch Stadium, the Cubs have a record of 0-3 SU with an average run margin of minus-1.7.

With Kyle Hendricks taking the mound for Chicago today, their chances of winning this game seem even more unlikely. Despite showing signs of improvement in June, the veteran right-hander’s recent performance, allowing nine earned runs on 11 hits in his last 5 2/3 innings, indicates a resurgence of his struggles.

Although Cardinals RHP Sonny Gray has outperformed Hendricks this season, his recent performances have been disappointing. The three-time MLB All-Star has a record of 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in his last two starts, having surrendered eight earned runs on 11 hits.

Meanwhile, Gray has emerged victorious in all four of his recent encounters with the Cardinals, boasting an impressive 1.77 ERA.

Cardinals RHP Sonny Gray has had the Cubs’ number for the last few years.

As great as the Cubs have been, all good things must end, so back the Cardinals to win. It can’t be understated how poorly the Cubs perform when Hendricks is on the mound, going 3-13 SU in his first 16 starts of the year. Meanwhile, St. Louis is 6-3 SU in Gray’s nine home starts, in which he owns a 1.90 ERA.

Considering how the Cubs are also outscored by an average of 3.6 runs per game throughout Hendricks’ starts in 2024, taking Cardinals -1.5 is the way to go.

Cubs vs. Cardinals MLB Prediction: STL wins

Best Cubs vs. Cardinals Bet: STL -1.5 (+105)

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Best Cubs vs Cardinals MLB Player Prop (7/12)

For today’s Cubs vs. Cardinals player prop recommendation, I suggest taking Nolan Arenado to record o0.5 runs + RBIs (-102).

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Arenado has displayed remarkable consistency in recent weeks when it comes to surpassing the odds. In his last 13 games, the five-time Silver Slugger third baseman has maintained an impressive .314/.340/.451 slash line over 51 at-bats. Alongside this, he has accumulated 16 hits, two home runs, seven runs, and six RBIs. It is worth noting that Arenado achieved the Over on this prop in eight out of those 13 games, including four out of his last six appearances.

I am confident that despite Kyle Hendricks giving up numerous runs, Arenado will still manage to finish with the Over once more.