- Get MLB expert picks and analysis for Padres vs. Cubs.
- The Cubs are -115 favorites in Game 3.
With a chance to play in the NLDS, the Chicago Cubs will face the San Diego Padres in Game 3 at 5:08 p.m. ET on Thursday at Wrigley Field on ESPN.
These two teams have split the first two contests of a best-of-three series. Chicago earned a 3-1 win in Game 1, while San Diego responded with a 3-0 victory in Game 2.
The Cubs are short favorites to win their first playoff series since 2017 on Thursday.
Here’s a look at the latest MLB odds and my Padres vs. Cubs prediction ahead of Game 3:
Padres vs. Cubs Odds for Game 3
- Padres moneyline: -105
- Cubs moneyline: -115
- Total: 7.5
Padres vs. Cubs Prediction for Game 3
According to the initial MLB betting lines, I like Chicago’s moneyline value as my favorite Padres vs. Cubs prediction for Game 3.
Given the state of the Padres’ bullpen, the Cubs appear to be in better shape for Game 3. San Diego has used seven relievers over the last two days, including Mason Miller and Adrian Morejon in back-to-back games. Robert Suárez secured a four-out save on Wednesday.
Assuming the Padres’ pen isn’t at full strength, that takes away one of their most significant advantages. They led all of baseball in ERA this season, deploying multiple unhittable relievers to close out games.
Right-hander Yu Darvish, who is 39 years old, will be asked to get as many outs as possible for San Diego. He posted a 5.38 ERA in 15 starts this year, but he’s pitched five innings or fewer in five of his last six outings.
The Cubs will counter with right-hander Jameson Taillon, who has allowed two runs or fewer in seven straight starts. He held the Padres to two runs in 5 1/3 innings during a start back in April.
I give the Cubs a slight edge in Game 3, so they are my pick to advance to the NLDS.
Prediction: Cubs moneyline (-110) – Pick made Wednesday
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