It took four years, but MLB baseball is finally back across the pond in London Stadium in London, England, this weekend for a two-game series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. The 54,662 punters in attendance for Saturday’s Game 1 didn’t see a very competitive game, as the Cubs jumped out to an early 7-0 lead before cruising to a 9-2 victory. What does MLB London Series, Game 2 have in store? And how can we profit from it? Read on.
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MLB London Series (Game 2) – Best Bets and Predictions
Chicago Cubs (-140), Cubs -1.5 (+105), Under 11.5 (-105)
I’m putting bets in on Sunday’s moneyline, run line, and total, and I’m going all in on the Chicago Cubs. They are currently one of the hottest teams in the majors, winning nine of their last ten, including Saturday’s spanking of the Cardinals. Additionally, the Cubs have their ace (and Cy Young Award candidate) Marcus Stroman taking the bump on Sunday in London.
Stroman is having the best season of his career, with career-high numbers across the board. The Cardinals are countering with the struggling Matthew Liberatore, who has a 6.12 ERA. Advantage Cubs. Hopefully, they don’t score too much and mess up our Under 11.5 bet.
Marcus Stroman Over 4.5 Strikeouts (-140)
This one should be pretty easy. Marcus Stroman has struck out at least five batters in five straight starts. Chicago’s starter on Saturday, Justin Steele, struck out eight Cardinals in six innings of work after striking out a combined five in his last two starts. Stroman has got this.
Marcus Stroman to Record a Win (+140)
This one could be even more of a lock than the K prop for Marcus Stroman. He’s earned the win in seven straight starts, running his record from 2-4 to a much more respectable 9-4. Getting a robust +140 on this play is a nice one. It should be noted that historically Stroman hasn’t pitched well against the Cardinals, but once again, +140. Definitely worth a sprinkle.
Ian Happ Over 0.5 Home Runs (+450)
Let’s take a big swing on a home run prop now. Ian Happ apparently likes London Stadium, as he put two over the wall on Saturday in Game 1 of the MLB London Series. Sure, he only has five homers total this season, but we’re getting +450 on him, hitting just one more on Sunday. Plus, Happ has hit a homer against Sunday’s starter, Matthew Liberatore, in only two career at-bats against him.
Paul Goldschmidt Over 1.5 Hits (+165)
Time to get another nice plus-money prop bet here and put some money down on Paul Goldschmidt to have a multi-hit game on Sunday. He’s collected two hits in two of his last four games and four of his last ten. But, more importantly, he’s really raked throughout his career against Marcus Stroman. He’s 8-21 in his career against the Chicago ace, with a 1.363 OPS. Let’s go.
If you’d like more information on the MLB London Series, check out the MLB Gambling Podcast. The guys are dropping weekly episodes to make you the smartest guy at the bar.
