- Get MLB expert picks and analysis for Padres vs. Cubs.
- The Cubs are -115 favorites in Game 2.
- Chicago is -375 to win the series.
The Chicago Cubs can win their first playoff series since 2017 with a victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 2 at 3:08 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Wrigley Field on ABC.
Chicago secured a 3-1 win over San Diego in Game 1, thanks to back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning from Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly. The Cubs’ bullpen tossed 4 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Matthew Boyd.
The Cubs are -115 favorites to win Game 2 and -375 to advance to the NLDS.
Here’s a look at the latest MLB odds and my Padres vs. Cubs prediction ahead of Game 2:
Padres vs. Cubs Odds for Game 2
- Padres moneyline: -105
- Cubs moneyline: -115
- Total: 6.5
Padres vs. Cubs Prediction for Game 2
According to the initial MLB betting lines, I like Chicago’s moneyline value as my favorite Padres vs. Cubs prediction for Game 2.
History suggests the Cubs could take care of business on Wednesday. There have been 12 wild-card matchups since MLB moved to this best-of-three format, with 10 of them ending in two games.
Although I suspect there will be at least one Game 3 this week, I don’t think it will be this series. The Cubs have enough advantages over the Padres in this matchup.
The Cubs have the better lineup, ranking sixth in the majors with a wRC+ of 110. They have more power, finishing sixth with a slugging percentage of .430. San Diego ranks 13th and 22nd in those metrics, respectively.
In addition, San Diego’s biggest strength (the bullpen) is quietly a bit mitigated in this matchup. While the Padres had the best bullpen ERA in baseball this year, the Cubs’ relievers posted the best xFIP (3.13) and K-BB% (21.5%) after the trade deadline.
The formula for Chicago winning looked a lot like it did on Tuesday. The Cubs can hit one or two balls over the fence early and ask their bullpen to match the Padres’ group to the finish.
With San Diego sending Dylan Cease out to the mound, I’m counting on Chicago having a repeat performance. Cease has a 4.55 ERA in 32 starts this year, giving up three or more runs in four of his final eight starts to the regular season.
I would back the Cubs at -120 or better in Game 2.
Prediction: Cubs moneyline (-115) – Pick made Tuesday
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