Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies 5/19/23 – Prepare for an exciting matchup when the Chicago Cubs travel to Citizens Bank Park to face the Philadelphia Phillies. Both teams will look to end their recent struggles and secure a much-needed win. The starting pitchers are Marcus Stroman and Ranger Suarez. Baseball betting forums predicted Phillies to win over the Cubs.
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Date & Time: Friday, May 19, 2023 at 7:05 PM ET
Location: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA
TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies 5/19/23 Betting Odds
Cubs
Moneyline: +110
Spread: +1.5 (-180)
Total: 8.5 over (-115)
Phillies
Moneyline: -120
Spread: -1.5 (+160)
Total: 8.5 under (-105)
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Analysis
This season, the Chicago Cubs have demonstrated offensive strength, averaging an average of 4.8 runs per game to rank 10th among MLB clubs. The Cubs have proven their power-hitting ability with an overall team slugging percentage of 0.431. Their 54 home runs and 72 doubles highlight their extra-base hitting prowess. However, their current batting average of 0.266 indicates an opportunity for improvement in creating consistent contact at the plate.
On the pitching side, the Cubs boast an ERA of 4.13, ranking 15th in MLB. Their combined rotation and bullpen have managed to strike out 363 batters, demonstrating their skill at getting bats off of bats. Though they have allowed 42 home runs, their 1.23 WHIP indicates they have effectively limited baserunners. The bullpen has recorded five saves thus far, though their 50% save rate shows much room for improvement in closing out games. Defense-wise, the Cubs have displayed excellent fielding abilities, boasting an outstanding 0.988 fielding percentage and turning 41 double plays.
Marcus Stroman will make his second start for the Chicago Cubs today. Over his 69-71 career record, Stroman has posted a 3.60 ERA and 1.249 WHIP over 1,217 innings pitched – his ability to induce ground balls while restricting walks has been central to his success.
The Philadelphia Phillies have had an uneven season, with an inconsistent batting average and on-base percentage at just 0.261 and 0.322, respectively. They have averaged 4.26 runs per game this season, placing them 22nd overall in MLB. The Phillies have demonstrated some power with 45 home runs this season; however, their inability to consistently score runs has proven challenging.
On the pitching front, the Phillies have allowed 212 runs against them, leading them to an ERA of 4.63 as a team. Though their rotation and bullpen have displayed glimpses of brilliance, their 5.11 runs allowed per nine innings indicate room for improvement in terms of restricting opponent scoring. The Philadelphia bullpen has earned 11 saves with a save rate of 73.3% and boasts a fielding percentage of 0.986. Defensively, 20 double plays have been turned.
Ranger Suarez will start for the Philadelphia Phillies. His career record is 25-15 with an ERA of 3.16 and 8.4 hits per nine innings allowed. Suarez’s ability to generate strikeouts while minimizing walks has significantly contributed to his overall success on the mound.
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Against the Spread
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Chi Cubs’ last 8 games. Chi Cubs are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games. Chi Cubs are 6-0 SU in their last 6 games against Philadelphia. The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chi Cubs’ last 6 games on the road. Chi Cubs are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Philadelphia.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Philadelphia’s last 7 games. Philadelphia are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Philadelphia’s last 5 games against Chi Cubs. Philadelphia are 8-3 SU in their last 11 games at home. Philadelphia Phillies are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing at home against Chi Cubs.
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Free Pick
Given both teams’ offensive outputs and pitching performances, Philadelphia Phillies hold a slight advantage. Their ability to generate runs while offering a more reliable pitching staff gives them an edge in this matchup, as per the latest MLB betting tips by the game experts.
Free Pick: Philadelphia Phillies -120
