The Los Angeles Angels can't buy a run, and it's a big reason why they haven't been able to win lately. They'll try to snap a five-game losing skid this afternoon when they play the second of a three-game set against the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs are -148 home favorites in the MLB odds, but the pitching matchup has my Angels vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks considering the road team on Saturday, July 6.
Angels vs Cubs prediction
My best bet
Angels moneyline (+125 at bet365)
My analysis
The Los Angeles Angels are coming off a 5-1 loss in the series opener against the Chicago Cubs. That lone run is more than L.A. has put up in its previous two games, so that’s… progress?
Their pitching hasn’t done much to help, as L.A. has allowed at least five runs in each of their last five, all losses. No surprise, then, that the Angels own the third-worst ERA in baseball at 4.63.
They’ll send lefty Tyler Anderson to the mound Saturday, and he’s been on a roller-coaster ride of starts. Anderson has alternated wins and losses in his last five, most recently getting lit up for six earned runs in a 7-6 loss to the Tigers.
It’s been all good or all bad for Anderson the last few months. In his last 11 starts, he has given up one earned run six times, while getting drilled for three runs or more in the other five.
The Cubs’ offense knows all too well about those kinds of ups and downs. They’ve tallied 15 runs in winning the last two games, and they’ve scored at least five runs in each of their last eight wins.
However, that's over a 19-game stretch, and there’s been way too many alter-ego performances: Chicago has 11 losses over that span, scoring four or less 10 times. Once three games from hitting .500, the Cubs are now seven back, comfortably last in the NL Central.
Meanwhile, Kyle Hendricks takes his turn on the bump for the Cubbies, and he’s just 1-6 on the year with an inflated 7.48 ERA.
He was rocked last time out, lasting just 3 2/3 innings, surrendering seven earned runs and seven hits in a 7-1 drubbing against the Brewers. It’s already the fourth time this season that the 34-year-old righty has been lit up for seven earned.
Hendricks might just be the answer to the Angels’ slumping offense, who are currently in their worst three-game stretch of the season. This after going eight straight games plating at least five runs.
That’s enough to take a flier on an upset.
Angels vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Angels moneyline
Seiya Suzuki Over 0.5 runs scored
Taylor Ward 1+ total bases
Seiya Suzuki picked up a hit and a pair of RBI in Chicago’s series-opening win Friday. He also crossed home plate, the sixth time in nine games he’s scored a run, with eight total over that span.
He’s been productive for the Cubs over the last week, with six hits, three of those via the home run, six RBI and seven runs scored.
Suzuki is also the only Cub with more than two at-bats against Anderson, going 2-for-9 with a triple. If Anderson has one of his down outings, Suzuki could be putting another run on the board.
Taylor Ward grabbed a hit on Friday, giving him base knocks in 11 of his last 14 games.
He’s yet to face Hendricks in his career, but all Ward needs is one total base for you to take this leg of the SGP.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Angels vs Cubs odds
Angels vs Cubs live odds
Angels vs Cubs opening odds
- Run line: Los Angeles +1.5 (-180) | Chicago -1.5 (+150)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles +125 | Chicago -150
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)
Angels vs Cubs spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Angels have won three of the last four head-to-head meetings.
- Chicago has only two wins in its last five as the moneyline favorite.
- The Under has cashed in seven of the last 10 between these teams.
- L.A. has cashed the Under in three straight.
Angels vs Cubs trend
Each of Chicago’s last seven games against AL West teams has gone Under the total. Find more MLB betting trends for Angels vs. Cubs
Angels vs Cubs game info
| Location: | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date: | Saturday, 7-6-2024 |
| First pitch: | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Bally West, Marquee |
| Angels starting pitcher: | Tyler Anderson (7-4, 2.63 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher: | Kyle Hendricks (1-5, 6.87 ERA) |
Angels vs Cubs latest injuries
Angels vs Cubs weather
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
