Cubs vs Cardinals MLB Predictions, Odds & Best Bets (7/12)

Today’s Cubs vs. Cardinals MLB predictions and best bets are brought to you by BetOnline. BetOnline is a market leader in sports betting, offering various options from MLB odds to the NBA and everything in between.

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Friday’s MLB schedule is loaded with intriguing matchups, including the resumption of an NL Central rivalry when the Chicago Cubs (45-49) and St. Louis Cardinals (48-44) begin their four-game series at 8:15 p.m. ET.

The Cubs head to Busch Stadium on a four-game winning streak after sweeping the Baltimore Orioles on the road. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will do their best to avoid a third consecutive loss following back-to-back defeats in a doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals.

So, which of these clubs’ streaks is destined to continue?

This Cubs vs. Cardinals MLB betting preview will look to answer that as we explore today’s predictions and best bets.

2024 MLB Betting Picks Record: 54-58-1 (48.2%)

MLB Betting Today: Cubs vs Cardinals (7/12)

Cubs vs Cardinals Game Information

• Matchup: Chicago Cubs (45-49, 20-28 Away) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (48-44, 24-20 Home)
• Venue & Location: Busch Stadium (St. Louis, MO)
• Date: Friday, July 12, 2024
• Game Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
• How to Watch Cubs vs. Cardinals: MLB.TV, Fubo, Apple TV+

Cubs vs Cardinals MLB Probable Pitchers

• Cubs: Kyle Hendricks (16 games/11 starts — 1-7, 7.53 ERA)
• Cardinals: Sonny Gray (16 starts — 9-5, 3.30 ERA)

Cardinals vs Cubs MLB Odds & Spread

Cardinals vs. Cubs MLB odds are courtesy of BetOnline as of Friday, July 12 at 10:35 a.m. ET. Odds from other top online sportsbooks may also be mentioned in this article.

Cubs vs Cardinals Run Line

• Chicago Cubs +1.5 (-125)
• St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (+105)

Cardinals vs Cubs Over/Under

• Over 8 Runs (-113)
• Under 8 Runs (-107)

Cubs vs Cardinals Moneyline

• Chicago Cubs (+170)
• St. Louis Cardinals (-186)

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Cubs vs Cardinals MLB Betting Trends

• The Cubs are 4-1 straight up in their last five road games.
• St. Louis is 13-6 straight up in its last 19 games vs. the NL Central.
• The total hit the Under in five of the Cubs’ last six games.
• The total hit the Over in four of St. Louis’ last six home games.
• The total hit the Under in seven of the last eight Cubs-Cardinals matchups.

Cubs vs Cardinals Predictions & MLB Picks Today (7/12)

Tonight’s matchup marks the sixth meeting of the 2024 MLB season between these NL Central rivals. Things have overwhelmingly gone the Cardinals’ way thus far as they won four of the five previous tilts with the Cubs. Things have been closer than the series implies, though,  as St. Louis has only outscored Chicago 17-15 on aggregate.

Nevertheless, both sides must win if they want to improve their playoff odds. The Cardinals currently hold the NL No. 2 wild-card seed, however, eight teams are within four games of them, including the Cubs, who are three games back of the final playoff spot.

Momentum is on the Cubs’ side with six wins in their last seven games, which includes victories over the likes of the Orioles and Philadelphia Phillies. That’s without mentioning how Chicago has outperformed its opponents by an average of 6.0 runs during its four-game heater.

Meanwhile, it’s hard to get a read on the Cardinals. Even though they’re coming off back-to-back losses to the Royals, it’s worth noting that they owned a 7-3 SU record in the 10 previous contests, leaving time to tell if Wednesday’s defeats were a fluke or not.

Which version of the Cardinals will show up at Busch Stadium tonight? 

Another thing that the Cardinals have going for them is their 52.0% winning percentage against fellow NL Central clubs this season, whereas the Cubs own a mark of 34.5% in that regard. In fact, Chicago has lost 15 of its last 20 divisional matchups while St. Louis is 13-6 SU in its previous 19.

Let’s also not forget that the Cubs are 0-3 SU with a minus-1.7 average run margin in their last three trips to Busch Stadium.

Chicago’s chances of winning this game appear even more distant with Kyle Hendricks getting the start today. The veteran right’s play appeared to be turning around in June, however, his allowing nine earned runs on 11 hits in his last 5 2/3 innings suggests that his struggles are re-emerging.

While Cardinals RHP Sonny Gray has been better than Hendricks this season, his recent play has left much to be desired. The three-time MLB All-Star is 0-1 with a 7.71 ERA in his last two starts after giving up eight earned runs on 11 hits.

At the same time, Gray is 1-0 with a 1.77 ERA in his last four matchups against the Cardinals.

Cardinals RHP Sonny Gray has had the Cubs’ number for the last few years. 

As great as the Cubs have been, all good things must end, so back the Cardinals to win. It can’t be understated how poorly the Cubs perform when Hendricks is on the mound, going 3-13 SU in his first 16 starts of the year. Meanwhile, St. Louis is 6-3 SU in Gray’s nine home starts, in which he owns a 1.90 ERA.

Considering how the Cubs are also outscored by an average of 3.6 runs per game throughout Hendricks’ starts in 2024, taking Cardinals -1.5 is the way to go.

Cubs vs. Cardinals MLB Prediction: STL wins

Best Cubs vs. Cardinals Bet: STL -1.5 (+105)

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Best Cubs vs Cardinals MLB Player Prop (7/12)

For today’s Cubs vs. Cardinals player prop recommendation, I suggest taking Nolan Arenado to record o0.5 runs + RBIs (-102).

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When it comes to hitting the Over on this prop, Arenado has been extremely consistent in recent weeks. The five-time Silver Slugger third baseman is slashing .314/.340/.451 in his last 13 games (51 at-bats), registering seven runs and six RBIs with 16 hits and two homers along the way. He finished with the Over on this prop in eight of those contests as well as in four of his last six appearances.

With Kyle Hendricks bleeding runs left and right, I’m confident that Arenado will find a way to finish with the Over yet again.

Best Cubs vs. Cardinals MLB Prop Bet: Nolan Arenado o0.5 Runs + RBIs (-102)

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