Astros-Cubs Odds Preview

The Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs will both be trying to pick up a win on Wednesday when they battle at Wrigley Field. The Astros will pin their hopes on the pitching of lefthander Mike Hampton in this game. Hampton has a 6-7 record and a 4.74 ERA this season. The Cubs will counter Hampton with Randy Wells. Righthander Wells has a 3.10 ERA to go along with a 6-4 record this season. Oddsmakers currently have the Cubs listed as 180-moneyline favorites versus the Astros, while the game's total has not yet been posted. Miguel Tejada went 2-for-4 with a two-run jack and five runs batted in to lead the Astros over the Cubs 11-6 on Tuesday night. Houston won as +100 road underdogs as the game played OVER the 8-run total listed by sportsbooks. Jeff Keppinger was 4-for-5 with three RBIs for the Astros, while Jeff Fulchino picked up the win in relief of starter Roy Oswalt for Houston. Aramis Ramirez hit a three-run homer for Chicago, as Angel Guzman was tagged with the defeat after coming into the game for Cubs starter Ryan Dempster. Team records: Houston: 51-49 SU Chicago: 52-46 SU Houston most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 8-2 Before playing Chi Cubs are 4-6 After playing Chi Cubs are 5-5 After a win are 7-3 Chicago most recently: When playing on Wednesday are 6-4 Before playing Houston are 7-3 After playing Houston are 2-8 After a loss are 6-4 A few trends to consider: The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games when playing Chi Cubs The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games Houston is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games when playing on the road against Chi Cubs Houston is 4-2 SU in their last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games Chi Cubs are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 5 games when playing Houston The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games at home Next up: Chi Cubs home to Houston, Thursday, July 30