Now this time of year is well known as being “The Dog Days of Summer.” The month of August is well known for blazing temperatures in the midst of a marathon season. Above all the Oakland A’s and Chicago Cubs have no time for days off. Both teams are in the thick of the baseball betting playoff chase. Last year the A’s were a surprise wild card team. Oakland is again in the thick of wild card contention. Meanwhile, the Cubs are in a three-team NL Central Battle Royale with St. Louis and Milwaukee.
Oakland Athletics vs. Chicago Cubs
| Date and Time: | Monday, August 5, 2019, 8 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois |
| A’s vs. Cubs TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | +1½ (-140) | 10 (-115) | +145 |  |
| Cubs | -1½ (+120) | 10 (-105) | -155 | |
| ||||
A’s vs. Cubs Current Form and Overview
Of great concern for the Cubs is seven losses in their last 10 games. Chicago has a baseball betting record of 57-51 with 49 games over the total. Only two of their last 10 games went over the total. Overall the Cubs rank 14th for runs, ninth for OPS, and 10th for home runs. In their last 10 games, the A’s are 5-5. Just two of their last nine have gone over the total. As a result, Oakland is 62-48 with 51 games over the total. The A’s rank 11th for runs, 13th for OPS and seventh for home runs.
Oakland A’s Starter and Bullpen
Right-hander Chris Bassitt (7-5, 1.17 WHIP, 3.84 ERA, 96K, 100.2 IP) is the probable Oakland starter. Late on the A’s have won six of his last eight baseball betting starts. Oakland ranks seventh in MLB for bullpen ERA. Namely, Liam Hendricks (4-1, 10 SV, 1.67 ERA, 79K, 59.1 IP) has been an effective closer.
Chicago Cubs Starter and Bullpen
Concurrently right-hander Kyle Hendricks (8-8, 1.12 WHIP, 3.07 ERA, 107 K, 120.1 IP) is the projected Cubs starter. Chicago has suffered six sportsbook losses in his last seven starts. Bullpen rankings have the Cubs 11th in MLB. Relievers Pedro Strop (2-4, 5.20 ERA, 9 SV, 6 BS) and Steve Cishek (3-5, 2.98 ERA, 7 SV, 3 BS, 43 K, 48.1 IP) have battled injuries. Accordingly, Craig Kimbrell (0-2, 6.17 ERA, 8 SV, 2 BS, 16 K, 11.2 IP) has had to take over as closer.
Players to Watch
To begin with, Kris Bryant (80 R, 30 2B, 21 HR, 51 RBI, .288 BA) has been a top threat for the Cubs. Counter for Oakland is Marcus Semien (80 R, 27 2B, 17 HR, 52 RBI, .271). Matt Chapman has 24 dingers for the A’s.
A’s and Cubs Betting Trends
The A’s are:
- 12-6 in their last 18 away games
- 3-7 under the total in their last 10 road matchups
- 3-8 in their last 11 games with Chicago
- 2-6 under the total in their last eight matchups with the Cubs
The Cubs are:
- 8-2 in their last 10 home tilts
- 3-11 under the total in their last 14 games at Wrigley Field
- 4-1 at Wrigley Field in their last five matchups against the A’s
- 3-2 over the total in their last five home games with Oakland
A’s vs. Cubs Baseball Betting Online Pick: Oakland A’s
A’s vs. Cubs Baseball Betting Online Score Prediction: A’s 5, Cubs 3
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