Coming off a 5-4 West Coast road swing, the Chicago Cubs return home on Thursday night to begin a four-game set against the Miami Marlins.
Chicago closed out the trip with a 5-3 victory at Arizona on Wednesday, marking the second straight series win for Craig Counsell’s team.
Outfielder Cody Bellinger hit the go-ahead homer in the sixth inning as the Cubs who improved to 11-7 on the season.
Marlins vs. Cubs odds
Run Line: Marlins +1.5 (-156), Cubs -1.5 (+130)
Moneyline: Marlins +132, Cubs -156
Total: Over 7.5 (-115), Under 7.5 (-105)
Odds via FanDuel
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Marlins vs. Cubs prediction
After dropping two of three at home to the San Francisco Giants, the Marlins are tied for the worst record in the National League with the Rockies at 4-15.
Miami has failed to win a series opener this season by going 0-6 in Game 1s, including a 4-3 loss to San Francisco on Monday.
Jameson Taillon makes his season debut for the Cubs after posting an 8-10 record and 4.84 ERA last season. Down the stretch last September, Taillon allowed just two or fewer earned runs in four of his final five starts.
A.J. Puk counters for Miami. The left-hander has not been sharp, owning a 5.91 ERA and 0-3 record through three starts. He has walked 14 batters this season, while striking out only eight.
Last season, the Marlins captured four of six matchups from the Cubs, but both Chicago wins came at Wrigley Field. Neither Puk or Taillon started in those games in 2023, as Taillon last faced the Marlins in 2021.
Marlins vs. Cubs pick
The Marlins have struggled to win series openers, but they have somehow compiled a 4-2 record in their first five innings in Game 1s. Their bullpen has not been reliable, but they have founds ways to jump out to good starts to open up series.
Considering Taillon’s pitch count might not be high for Thursday’s game and the Cubs coming off a long road trip, let’s back the Marlins in the first five innings.
Pick: Marlins F5 Moneyline (+130, DraftKings)
