Chi. Cubs (46-31) at St. Louis (42-36)
- When: Jun 23 2025, 7:45 PM
- Where: Busch Stadium, St. Louis
- Where to watch: Marquee Sports Network
Cubs vs Cardinals – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -115
Total: 9.5
RunLine: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (+145)
Chicago Cubs Outlook
The Cubs roll into Busch Stadium after a weekend of high-scoring chaos, surrendering 38 runs over their last four games. Pitching’s been a mess, but the offense led by Ian Happ is showing signs of firepower. Happ’s been slugging like it’s 2021 again, cranking eight homers in June alone after hitting just three in the season’s first three months. Cubs manager Craig Counsell saw it coming, maybe he’s got a crystal ball, or maybe Happ just got tired of hitting warning-track singles.
Ben Brown takes the mound for his first career start against the Cardinals. If he can keep the ball inside the yard and avoid the walk parade, the Cubs have the offensive tools to steal Game 1.
Cubs Prop Picks:
Ian Happ: Over 0.5 Home Runs – Happ’s June power surge continues; Busch Stadium could serve up another blast.
Ben Brown: Total Strikeouts: Over 4.5 – Command improving, Cardinals struggle vs righties, Brown should rack up strikeouts early.
St. Louis Cardinals Outlook
St. Louis just had their five-game win streak snapped by the Reds, but they’re still surging and loving life at home with a 24-15 record at Busch. This is the first faceoff of the year between these two bitter NL Central rivals, and they’re hungry to close the 4.5-game gap on the Cubs.
Matthew Liberatore (4-6, 4.08 ERA) gets the nod and will be looking for redemption against a lineup that’s already swinging hot. While he’s had a shaky history against Chicago, the Cardinals believe the home atmosphere and their contact-heavy lineup can help flip the script.
Cardinals Prop Picks
Matthew Liberatore: Total Pitcher Outs: Under 17.5 – Inconsistent command, tough Cubs bats, unlikely he survives deep into this game.
Nolan Arenado: Over 0.5 RBIs – Arenado’s clutch bat and lineup support boost his RBI opportunities at Busch.
Betting Insight & Prediction
With Happ hitting bombs and Brown just needing to be “not terrible,” Chicago’s offense might outpace the Cardinals in a tight, back-and-forth opener. Buckle up for fireworks in the heart of Missouri.
Final Score Prediction: Cubs 6, Cardinals 4
Lean: Chi. Cubs RL -1.5 (+145)
Total: Over 9.5 (-105)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
