Astros-Cubs Odds Preview

The Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs will both be trying to pick up a win on Thursday when they battle at Wrigley Field. The Astros will pin their hopes on the pitching of righthander Russ Ortiz in this game. Ortiz has a 2-4 record and a 5.55 ERA this season. The Cubs will counter Ortiz with Kevin Hart. Righthander Hart has a 2.25 ERA to go along with a 2-1 record this season. Odds aren't yet posted for this game, so check back later for the opening line and total. The Cubs scored six runs in the first inning en route to a 12-0 pounding of the Astros on Wednesday, as -200 favorites. The game's 12 runs made it OVER the day's posted over/under (9). Alfonso Soriano went deep for a three-run homer to lead the Cubs, and Aramis Ramirez drove in two runs. Randy Wells scattered six hits over eight scoreless innings for the win. Mike Hampton was tagged for nine runs over four innings in the loss for the Astros, who were +180 underdogs. Team records: Houston: 51-50 SU Chicago: 53-46 SU Houston most recently: When playing on Thursday are 4-6 Before playing St. Louis are 5-5 After playing Chi Cubs are 5-5 After a loss are 6-4 Chicago most recently: When playing on Thursday are 6-4 Before playing Florida are 5-5 After playing Houston are 2-8 After a win are 7-3 A few trends to consider: The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston's last 6 games The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 6 games when playing Chi Cubs Houston is 5-10 SU in their last 15 games when playing Chi Cubs Houston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road Chi Cubs are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games Chi Cubs are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games at home The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chi Cubs's last 6 games when playing Houston Chi Cubs are 10-5 SU in their last 15 games when playing Houston Next up: Houston at St. Louis, Friday, July 31 Chi Cubs at Florida, Friday, July 31