In today’s MLB betting guide, the Boston Red Sox hit the road for a three-day stay in the windy city where they take on the Chicago Cubs. They remain in second place in the AL East after avoiding a third consecutive loss against the Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies look to start off the month of July on a good note as they clash three times in the next three days.
Boston Red Sox (-130) vs Chicago Cubs (+110)
The Red Sox won eight of their last 10 games to end June, pulling into a deadlock for second place in the AL East with the Blue Jays. Their schedule kicks off with six games against teams with worse records before going head-to-head with the New York Yankees. Today, Boston will rely on the services of Rich Hill, who is 4-4 on the season and has won his previous two starts. Hill is hovering close to allowing one hit per inning but has only allowed six runs in the last 16 innings, thanks to some solid defense by the Red Sox infield.
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Adrian Sampson is still searching for his first decision with the Cubs this year, sitting at 0-0 in three appearances and one start. He’s looked phenomenal in all outings thus far, allowing just two runs off of five hits for a 1.69 ERA (earned run average). The 30-year-old pitcher was recalled from Triple-A Iowa one week ago after spending a month fine-tuning his game, and the stint appears to have worked. Unfortunately, the Cubs are way over their heads, and the Red Sox are carrying too much momentum. Take Boston to defeat Chicago quickly and go with the over for runs scored in the first five innings (O5.0, +100).
St. Louis Cardinals (-145) vs Philadelphia Phillies (+125)
The Cardinals came close to sweeping the Miami Marlins to complete June but were one run short, dropping a 4-3 decision. A two-run home run from Avisaíl García put the Marlins up in the ninth inning, erasing a one-run deficit and pulling off the come-from-behind win. Miles Mikolas gets his 16th start after completing last month with a 2-2 record in five appearances and a 3.50 ERA in his previous seven games. He was one strike short of a no-hitter two weeks ago and will try to re-capture that same magic this afternoon.
On the other side of the fence, the Phillies avoided a three-game sweep to end their month and are currently 6-4 in their last ten games. They face an uphill battle with a schedule that has the potential to earn some wins if their bullpen can remain consistent. Bailey Falter will need to find his first win of the season after going 0-2 in three starts. Allowing 22 hits in 20 innings, Falter has struck out just 13 batters during that span and holds a 4.50 ERA. His five-hit performance against the Washington Nationals doesn’t inspire much confidence, so betters may want to consider taking a gamble on the Phillies this afternoon. Gamblers could pair it with taking the under (U8.5) for a +200 return if they feel extra risky.
Odds via Bet365.
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