Monday’s MLB schedule includes an NL Central rivalry game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. After sweeping the Cubs earlier this month, the Cardinals are road favorites on Monday with a moneyline of -170 compared to Chicago’s moneyline of +145. The game also has an over/under of eight runs.
The Cardinals begin the new week, rocking a seven-game winning streak. It’s the second seven-game winning streak for St. Louis in less than a month, giving the Cardinals 16 wins in their last 19 games. They have now taken firm control of first place in the NL Central, leading the Brewers by five games.
The Cubs, to their credit, have also played well lately, solidifying third place in the NL Central ahead of the Pirates and Reds. The Cubs had their own five-game winning streak going before losing on Sunday. Since getting swept in St. Louis earlier this month, the Cubs have won five straight series, going 11-5 despite still being 16 games under .500.
Time to Smile
Drew Smyly will get a chance to start for the Cubs on Monday and continue his strong season. The lefty has made 16 starts this year, going 5-6 with a 3.67 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. After some problems in July, Smyly has been at his best in August, pitching to a 1.06 ERA over his last three starts, with the Cubs winning all three games.
However, Chicago’s recent winning stretch doesn’t mean the Cubs are clicking offensively. They have scored three runs or less in four of their last five games and scored four runs or less in nine of their last 16 games despite a good record during that time. The good news is that all-stars Willson Contreras and Ian Happ have combined for six home runs in the team’s last seven games, while Franmil Reyes and Seiya Suzuki are also red-hot at the moment.
Air Jordan
The Cardinals will have Jordan Montgomery on the mound against the Cubs on Monday, as he’s turned into an excellent addition at the trade deadline. Over his 24 starts this year, the lefty is 6-3 with a 3.29 ERA and a 1.07 ERA. But he’s taken things to another level during his three starts with the Cardinals, giving up just one run on 12 hits over 16.2 innings, earning a win in all three starts.
Meanwhile, the St. Louis lineup has been on fire during the team’s current seven-game winning streak. They’re averaging eight runs per game during that stretch, scoring a minimum of five runs in each game. Paul Goldschmidt and Albert Pujols are the hottest hitters in baseball right now, with Lars Nootbar and Nolan Arenado not being far behind.
Cards Rule the Nest
There is a strong argument for the Cubs pulling off the upset in this game. However, Montgomery has pitched at a high level since being traded, while there seems to be no stopping the St. Louis lineup these days. Bet on the Cardinals to stay hot and take their series opener against the Cubs on Monday night.
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