Texas Rangers vs
Chicago CubsPredictions & Preview

Chicago Cubs Look to Extend Dominance Against Texas Rangers in Second Game at Wrigley Field

The Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs are set to face off in the second game of their series at Wrigley Field, following the Cubs' dominant 7-0 shutout in the opener. Both teams have had strong starts to the season, making for an intriguing matchup with their unique strengths and weaknesses. The starting pitchers for the game will be Patrick Corbin (ERA: 0) for the Rangers and Jameson Taillon (ERA: 6.97) for the Cubs. Chicago is currently the betting favorite with the opening line at -152, now at Chicago -154. For more insights and predictions on this game and other MLB matchups, be sure to check out our full Rangers vs Cubs prediction and other free MLB picks.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Rangers +138 | Cubs -154
• Spread: Rangers +1.5 (-160) | Cubs -1.5 (+140)
• Total: Over/Under 7.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 61%.

Texas vs Chicago Stats

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have gotten off to a strong start this season, with a five-game winning streak before their recent loss to the Cubs. While their offensive performance has been lacking, ranking near the bottom of the MLB in key categories such as runs per game, batting average, and OPS, they have shown some power and speed on the bases. On the mound, Texas has been impressive with a strong pitching staff boasting a 3.34 ERA and a stellar 1.10 WHIP, while the bullpen has been serviceable. Patrick Corbin will start for Texas tonight after signing with the team this offseason. Despite his recent struggles, Corbin was a key contributor to Washington's World Series run in 2019. In terms of power rankings, Texas is ranked 16th with a strong defense, allowing an average of 3.40 points to be scored against them per game, and currently holds an 8-3 record for the season.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Chicago Cubs have been a dominant offensive force in the MLB this season, ranking third in runs per game and first in stolen bases. Players like Kyle Tucker and Nico Hoerner have been leading the team with impressive statistics. On the pitching side, Jameson Taillon has had a mixed start to the season, showing both strong performances and struggles. The Cubs' bullpen, however, has been less reliable with a lower ERA ranking. Overall, the Cubs have a power ranking of 5 and a solid 8-5 record, with recent matchups against Texas resulting in a 2-1 record in favor of Texas.

Chicago Cubs Favored Over Texas Due to Strong Offense and Pitching Advantage

The Chicago Cubs are currently favored due to their strong offensive performance, in contrast to the struggling lineup of the Texas team. The upcoming pitching matchup, featuring Jameson Taillon against Patrick Corbin, further enhances Chicago's advantage, given Corbin's history of inconsistency. The Cubs' proficiency in manufacturing runs through speed and situational hitting provides them with an additional edge over Texas. While Texas has achieved success primarily through pitching, this may not be sustainable with Corbin as the starting pitcher.

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