The Chicago Cubs will be looking for the sweep tonight as they face the Cleveland Guardians in the rubber match of a three-game set.
My Guardians vs. Cubs predictions will dive into why I do not expect Cade Horton to strike out many Cleveland hitters in the series finale.
Guardians vs Cubs prediction
My Guardians vs Cubs best bet: Cade Horton Under 3.5 strikeouts (+104 at Caesars)
Cade Horton is in his rookie season with the Chicago Cubs after getting called up to the Big Leagues in May. He’s compiled a 4.80 ERA and 3-2 record in nine appearances, with only 33 punchouts in 45 innings of work. Horton hasn’t shown a lot of swing-and-miss stuff so far.
He’s cashed the Under in Ks back-to-back outings and in three of his last five appearances dating back to June 3. Horton rarely pitches deeper than the fifth inning in starts, which, of course, is going to play a part in his strikeout total.
The right-hander has never faced the Cleveland Guardians in his young career, but Cleveland isn’t a team that strikes out a lot. They rank 18th in the majors in strikeouts as a lineup. In 21 1/3 frames at home, Horton has only 14 strikeouts.
While he could very well still be effective, most of his outs will be coming by contact tonight.
Guardians vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
Cade Horton Under 3.5 strikeouts
Pete Crow-Armstrong Over 0.5 hits
Under 8.5
It’s common knowledge that Pete Crow-Armstrong is turning into a star with each passing day. The youngster is hitting .268 with 21 home runs and 64 RBI. While Crow-Armstrong batted just .240 in June, he’s off to a red-hot start in July.
Through two games against the Guardians, the outfielder is 4-for-8. He’s, of course, cashed the Over in back-to-back contests, and Crow-Armstrong swings it even better at home, hitting .295 compared to .244 on the road.
While it’s not too often these two teams meet, there’s been a common trend in recent matchups — not a lot of runs are typically scored. The Under 8.5 has cashed in three of the last four games between Chicago and Cleveland.
Luis Ortiz and Horton aren’t exactly elite starting pitchers, but I’ll ride the trends and hammer the Under. The Guardians have also cashed the Under in 18 of their last 23 away contests.
Guardians vs Cubs odds
Guardians vs Cubs live odds
Guardians vs Cubs opening odds
- Moneyline: Cleveland +125 | Chicago -150
- Run line: Cleveland +1.5 (-160) | Chicago -1.5 (+135)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 | Under 8.5
Guardians vs Cubs trend
The Guardians have cashed the Under in 18 of their last 23 away games (+13.50 units / 52% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Guardians vs. Cubs.
How to watch Guardians vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Thursday, 7-3-2025 |
| First pitch | 8:05 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB Network |
| Guardians starting pitcher | Luis Ortiz (4-9, 4.36 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Cade Horton (3-2, 4.80 ERA) |
Guardians vs Cubs latest injuries
Guardians vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
