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Cincinnati (64-72) at Chi. Cubs (77-59)
- When: Aug 30 2026, 7:20 PM
- Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- TV: NBC/Peacock
Cincinnati vs Chi. Cubs MLB Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -160
Runline: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (+135)
Total: 9.0
PCA Just Set Wrigley on Fire
Pete Crow-Armstrong enters Sunday night looking like he personally declared war on baseballs. The Cubs star blasted three homers and drove in six runs in Saturday’s 17-5 demolition of Cincinnati, pushing his season total to 36.
Wrigley responded with “M-V-P!” chants, because subtlety has never been Chicago’s thing.
Carson Kelly, Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman also went deep during the Cubs’ 19-hit eruption. Apparently everybody received the same memo: swing hard, apologize never.
Burns Has the Tough Assignment
Cincinnati sends Chase Burns to the mound at 14-3 with a sharp 2.77 ERA.
Those numbers are excellent, although Burns has allowed five runs twice across his last four outings. His latest start lasted only 3 2/3 innings against San Francisco.
This will be Burns’ first career start against Chicago. He did face the Cubs in relief last season, allowing one run on three hits over 1 1/3 innings.
Not exactly comforting when the opposing lineup just scored 17.
Imanaga Gets the Ball
Chicago counters with Shota Imanaga, who is 8-9 with a 3.78 ERA.
He lasted only two innings against Seattle last time out, allowing two runs, one earned, while throwing 72 pitches.
The matchup history is much prettier. Imanaga owns a 2-1 record and 2.48 ERA in five career starts against Cincinnati.
One danger is rookie Sal Stewart, who has homered in both games of this series and three times over his last four.
LVSB Betting Prediction
Chicago is -160 on the moneyline, -1.5 at +135, with the total at 9.0.
Burns is dangerous enough to prevent another cartoon score, but Chicago owns the hotter lineup and the better matchup history on the mound.
LVSB Score Prediction
Pick: Chicago Cubs -160
Lean: Cubs -1.5 (+135)
Total: Under 9.5 Alt Line (-135)
- MLB Baseball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
