The Chicago Cubs are heading to Citizens Bank Park on Monday evening to take on the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of a three-game National League series. The Cubs are sending right-hander Nate Pearson (2-2, 4.71 ERA) to the mound for this game while the Phillies are countering with righty Aaron Nola (12-8, 3.54 ERA). With the Phillies looking to officially clinch the NL East with a win here, let’s take a look if they will be able to do so in this game.
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Chicago Cubs | +1.5 (-140) | Over 7.5 (-120) | +150 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | -1.5 (+110) | Under 7.5 (+100) | -180 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies Match Details
- Fixture: Chicago Cubs vs. Philadelphia Phillies
- Date and Time: September 23, 2024 at 6:40 PM ET
- Location: Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA
Key Stats
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are looking to play a bit of spoiler here as the team is officially eliminated from the postseason. The lineup is 14th in baseball with a .713 team OPS while scoring 4.58 runs per game. The Cubs have been excellent at being patient at the plate as they rank sixth in the majors with 524 total walks. Right fielder Seiya Suzuki has been the team’s best hitter over the course of the season as he has a .279/.359/.479 slash line with 21 home runs, 71 RBIs, 71 runs scored and 16 stolen bases on 22 attempts.
Righty Nate Pearson is going to be making his first start of the season as he has been used as a reliever this season. In 57 games (63.0 innings), he is 2-2 with a 4.71 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP. However, he has found his stride with the Cubs as in 16 games he is 2-1 with a 3.13 ERA and a .224 batting average against in 23.0 innings. Pearson last pitched on Friday against the Washington Nationals where he pitched 0.2 innings out of the bullpen and did not allow a run on two hits with a walk and a strikeout while not factoring into the decision. Expect him to be used in an opener role in this game.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies have been excellent at the plate as they rank fourth in the sport with a .749 team OPS while averaging 4.84 runs per game. This lineup has a good amount of pop as they are ninth in the big leagues with 189 total homers up to this point. Designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has been electric at the dish as he has a .851 OPS with 36 home runs, 99 RBIs, 106 runs scored, and five steals while being caught three times.
Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola is going to be on the hill here and is doing well in 31 starts as he is 12-8 with a 3.54 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP in 188.1 innings of work. He has incredible command of the strike zone as he has 48 walks to 183 strikeouts on the year entering this game. Nola is coming off a no-decision against the Milwaukee Brewers as he pitched seven innings and gave up one run on three hits with a walk and nine strikeouts.
Prediction
The Philadelphia Phillies are clearly the better overall team and have something to play for in this matchup. Aaron Nola looks locked in right now as he has a 3.29 ERA in his previous seven starts, so he is getting ready in potentially his final start of the regular season. The Cubs have been playing well in September, but the Phillies have just been better and are arguably the best team in Major League Baseball. Take them to win at home as they are 52-26 at Citizens Bank Park this year already.
Final Pick
Philadelphia Phillies ML (-180)
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