Cubs vs. Phillies: Game 1 predictions, odds and picks — Sept. 24, MLB 2024

The Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies will play in a rubber game at Truist Park. The hosts took the series opener before the Cubs offense rebounded with a strong Game 2 win. The Phillies lead the season series 3-2 heading into the finale.

Cubs vs. Phillies recent form and records

The Phillies might have clinched the NL East title, but if they are to gain a home-field advantage for the postseason, then they will have to gain the best record in the League. They are 0.5 games behind the Dodgers, and their 4-6 run in the last 10 hasn't helped that cause.

The Cubs have shown resilience even after being knocked out of playoff contention. A series win against the Phillies will give them a lot of confidence entering 2025. Chicago will look to hold onto the second spot in the NL Central.

Players to Watch

Starting Pitchers

Javier Assad (7-5, 3.34 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 121 SO) vs. Cristopher Sanchez (11-9, 3.25 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 149 SO)

Assad will look to have a better performance than his seven earned runs in the last two starts.

Last Start: vs. Nationals, 5.0 innings pitched, 7 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts

Career vs. Phillies: 1-0, 0.0 ERA, 5 strikeouts in 2 appearances

Sanchez has five earned runs in the last four starts.

Last Start: vs. Mets, 5.0 innings pitched, 3 hits, 2 earned runs, 5 walks, 7 strikeouts

Career vs. Cubs: 0-1, 15.75 ERA, 3 strikeouts in 1 appearance

Must-Watch Hitters

Cubs

Seiya Suzuki is hitting at 7-for-20 in the last seven days, with a .281 batting average for the season. Michael Busch has three home runs in the last 10 games.

Phillies

Bryce Harper is batting at .325 in September with 11 RBIs and four home runs. Harper's homer in Game 2 was the fifth time he hit 30 in a season. Kyle Schwarber has seven RBIs and three home runs in his last 10 games.

Cubs vs. Phillies betting odds

Moneyline	Runline	Total Runs
Cubs +155	Cubs +1.5 (-135)	Cubs O 8 (-115)
Phillies -190	Phillies -1.5 (+110)	Phillies U 8 (-105)

Cubs vs. Phillies expert picks and prediction

Cristopher Sanchez's start gives the Phillies an advantage based on his form. But the Cubs lineup is batting at .280 in their last 10 games. The Phillies batters, meanwhile, will look to improve from their .247 average form.

Runline: Under 1.5

Total Runs: Under 8

Prediction: Phillies 3, Cubs 1