Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs St. Louis Cardinals 5/9/23

Ian Happ will be looking to extend his 16-game on-base streak as the Chicago Cubs (17-18) host the St. Louis Cardinals (12-24) at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.

The Cardinals took Monday’s series opener 3-1, their fifth straight head-to-head victory. Reliever Genesis Cabrera threw 1.1 scoreless innings to get the win, and Ryan Helsley threw 1.1 scoreless innings to earn his fourth save.

Willson Contreras was 2 for 4 with a double, one run, and two RBIs in the win. Patrick Wisdom went 1 for 1 with two walks and one run for the Cubs.

ON THE MOUND

Jack Flaherty (2-4, 6.29 ERA) is in line to take the mound for St. Louis. The right-hander allowed 10 runs over 2.1 innings in his last start, an 11-7 road defeat against the Angels on Thursday. He was charged with the loss, giving up nine hits while striking out three and walking one.

Flaherty is making his first appearance against the Cubs this season. Flaherty made one start against the Cubs in 2022, a 6-5 home loss on June 26. He allowed one hit over two scoreless innings, striking out two and walking two.

Right-hander Jameson Taillon (0-2, 5.29 ERA) will take the mound for Chicago. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Cardinals. In his last start on Thursday, Taillon took a no-decision on the road against the Nationals. He threw three innings and gave up three runs on three hits, striking out four, in the 4-3 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, St. Louis has averaged 6.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.4, partially due to increased slugging (.443 vs .414). Against righties like Taillon this season, the Cards have a .730 OPS.

Paul Goldschmidt is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .956 OPS in 105 at-bats. Chicago is averaging only 3.2 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.8 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.223/.284/.285).

The Cubs have a .741 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a 1.045 OPS over 91 at-bats, Happ has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

St. Louis is 6-11 in road games in 2023, scoring 3.6 runs per game while allowing 4.2 runs. Chicago has gone 10-10 in front of their home fans this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.0.

In the last 10 games between the NL Central rivals at Wrigley Field, St. Louis is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 5.3-3.4.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Cardinals are fifth in the NL Central, nine games behind the division-leading Pirates. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, three games behind the Pirates.