Guardians vs Cubs Odds, and Picks (July 1)

• The Guardians were pummeled by the Cubs, losing 10-1.
• Chicago’s win on Friday got them one step closer to .500.
• The Cubs are 20-18 in their all-time history against Cleveland.

The Guardians (39-42) and the Cubs (38-42) will meet in a key interleague clash. Both teams are seeking to make the most of weak central divisions, with a chance to enter the break on top. This series is crucial.

How to Watch

• Bally Sports

Preview

Cleveland lost badly in their first game against the Cubs, failing to claim 1st place in a wide-open AL Central. The Guardians continue to hover around the .500 mark despite their troubles, and remain well in contention for the division. They need to avoid a losing streak before the break, but are in good shape with four games against the Royals upcoming. They need to find more consistency against Chicago here first.

The Cubs snapped their 4-game losing streak with a dominant win over the Guardians. After getting swept by the Phillies, Chicago needed a good win to get some momentum back. They continue to fight their way up the NL Central standings, now just 4.5 games out of 1st place. The losing streak didn’t help, but the Cubs can still enter the break in contention if they can build on Friday’s win. The offense needs to heat up.

Prediction

After dominating in the first game of this series, the Cubs are once again favorites here. Not only do they have the home-field advantage, but they’ll also be fielding Marcus Stroman (2.47 ERA) on the mound for this game. The Guardians have a capable starter of their own in Tanner Bibee (3.79 ERA) but I’m not sure their offense will provide him with enough support to win against Stroman. I’d take the Cubs to win here.

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