Chi. Cubs (48-34) at Houston (49-33)
- When: Jun 28 2025, 7:15 PM
- Where: Daikin Park, Houston
- Where to watch: FOX
Cubs vs Astros – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Moneyline: Houston -120
Total: 8.5
RunLine: Houston -1.5 (+170)
Houston Astros Outlook
The Astros took Game 1 with authority, riding rookie Cam Smith’s big bat and a raucous Daikin Park crowd. Smith, facing his former organization for the first time, made a statement with a 2-for-2 night that included a three-run blast and two walks. He’s riding a five-game hit streak and batting .308 since May 1 with 21 RBIs earning a surprise but well-deserved bump to the cleanup spot.
Lance McCullers Jr. (1-2, 4.91 ERA) returns from the IL for his first start in nearly three weeks. Before his foot injury, McCullers was finding form, logging back-to-back quality starts and punching out 19 across 12 innings. He’s never faced the Cubs, but he’s got a solid interleague track record (3.84 ERA in 16 starts). If his command holds and the offense stays hot, Houston is in great position to take the series.
Astros Player Props Picks:
Cam Smith – Over 1.5 Total Bases – He’s dialed in at the plate and thriving in the middle of the order.
Jake Meyers – To Score a Run – With Smith and others driving him in, Bregman’s getting on base and rounding the bags.
Chicago Cubs Outlook
Chicago came into this series tied with Houston for the third-best record in MLB, but Game 1 was a gut punch. Colin Rea (4-3, 4.42 ERA) draws the start after getting shelled in his last outing, giving up seven runs and four homers to Seattle. He’s been ineffective in his last six starts (0-3, 7.39 ERA in that span), and his past against Houston isn’t promising either. Last May, he surrendered eight hits and five runs over 4 1/3 innings to the Astros while with Milwaukee.
The Cubs’ offense is capable, but inconsistent. A poor start from Rea could bury them early again, especially in an atmosphere that’s already feeling like a playoff preview. They’ll need to capitalize early and try to get into Houston’s bullpen if they want to even this series.
Cubs Player Props Picks:
Nico Hoerner – Over 0.5 RBIs – He’s been clutch in key spots and could cash in with runners on.
Seiya Suzuki – Over 1.5 Total Bases – Suzuki’s been swinging it well and has pop to make an impact against a rusty McCullers.
Betting Outlook
Astros’ Smith is surging, and McCullers has shown flashes of dominance. Rea’s recent form makes him hard to trust. The Total 8.5, Rea’s home run issues and McCullers’ uncertain pitch count make this a sneaky spot for offense on both sides.
Final Score Prediction: Astros 6, Cubs 4
Lean: Houston RL -1.5 (+170)
Total: Over 8.5 (+100)
Cam Smith delivers again, McCullers gets enough support, and the Astros inch closer to a series sweep as the Cubs scramble for stability on the mound.
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
