Cubs Try to Build on Extra-Inning Win
The Chicago Cubs try to win a road series against the Atlanta Braves when the two teams play the finale of a three-game set on Thursday night. Chicago took Wednesday’s matchup in 10 innings, snapping a two-game losing streak and tying the Pittsburgh Pirates for third place in the NL Central. Atlanta has dropped three of its last four and is in fourth place in the NL East, one game behind the third-place Philadelphia Phillies. This series has been tight throughout, and Thursday’s game should be just the same, so before you bet online on the series finale, read our in-depth preview to get some insight into this contest.
Let’s check the latest MLB picks, stats, injury reports, and MLB odds for Cubs vs Braves. We have plenty of MLB predictions.
Cubs Try to Use Depth to Score Runs
The Chicago Cubs don’t have a standout player this season, one that is the first to be talked about in every highlight. Instead, Chicago is getting contributions from throughout the lineup, with different players stepping up at different times. On Wednesday night, it was Willson Contreras with an RBI double in the 10th, and Patrick Wisdom with a two-run homer in the same frame.
“Up and down the lineup, I don’t think it’s been one guy,” Chicago manager David Ross said after Wednesday’s win. “I think everybody contributes down the lineup for us.”
Wisdom is batting .236 with five doubles, three home runs, 13 RBIs, and 11 runs scored this season. Contreras has contributed six doubles, two home runs, seven RBIs, and 13 runs scored while batting .254.
The name that might be mentioned the most with the Cubs these days is outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who is off to a fast start to his MLB career. The 27-year-old from Japan is batting .333 with five doubles, four home runs, 14 RBIs, and 13 runs scored.
Left-hander Drew Smyly will be on the mound for the series finale for the Cubs, facing the team he pitched for in 2021. Smyly is 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA in three starts, striking out nine and walking two. He had a rough outing in his last start, taking the loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday after he allowed four runs on six hits, including two home runs, in five innings.
Braves Trying to Figure Season Out
The Atlanta Braves have been the epitome of inconsistency this season, starting 8-11 with no winning streak or losing streak over two games. Atlanta has not been able to find consistent production at the plate or on the mound, leading to the near-.500 mark so far.
Right-hander Kyle Wright will try to get Atlanta the series victory when he takes the mound for his fourth start of the season. Wright is 2-0 with a 1.06 ERA and is coming off a dominating performance against the Miami Marlins on Friday.
Against the Marlins, Wright went six innings and allowed no runs on four hits, striking out 11 and walking one. Heading into Thursday’s action, Wright has 26 strikeouts, which is tied for the ninth-most in the majors this season.
Second baseman Ozzie Albies has been the main power source for Atlanta this season, leading the team with six home runs and 11 RBIs. Albies is batting just .240 and is coming off an 0-for-5 night on Wednesday.
Cubs vs Braves Head-to-Head
The Atlanta Braves have owned the Chicago Cubs in recent seasons, winning the season series each of the last two years. Atlanta won five of seven meetings in 2021, including three of four played at Truist Field.
The teams didn’t play in 2020, but in 2019, the Braves had a 5-2 edge in meetings with the Cubs, sweeping all three games in Atlanta. With Wright on the mound and the teams’ recent history, it’s no wonder the MLB lines are giving the edge to Atlanta on Thursday.
Cubs vs Braves Game Information
- Game: Cubs (8-10) vs Braves (8-11)
- Location: Truist Park
- Day/Time: Thursday, April 28, 7:20 p.m. ET
- Cubs vs Braves Live stream: MLB.tv
Cubs vs Braves Betting Lines
Cubs vs Braves Prediction
The Chicago Cubs have had their troubles putting together wins this season, and they’re going to have trouble doing that in this game as well. Wright has been very good this season, and we like that to continue as the Atlanta Braves take the series finale.
When doing your MLB betting, take Atlanta to get the win at home.
