After cashing both our Nationals/Phillies and Red Sox/Royals same game parlays last night, let's get things started with an early afternoon game. The Marlins and Cubs got Friday started with an early afternoon game yesterday as well. Chicago came into it off of a doubleheader the day prior, while Miami was coming off of a rest day. However, that advantage proved to not be enough for the Marlins. It was a close game, which should be expected between these teams. Neither are likely to make the postseason and n either saw much action at the trade deadline. Although they're just trying to make the best of what they have, there are still plenty of markets to make their situations profitable. Along with this same game parlay, be sure to check out our thoughts on the side and total for all of today's games.
Cubs ML (-112)
Over 7.5 total runs (-115)
Drew Smyly 4+ strikeouts (-390)
Parlay odds: +344
Let's take a closer look at each leg of our same game parlay.
Chicago Cubs ML (-112) over Miami Marlins
Neither of these teams have been impressive this season, but the Cubs can pull out this home win. Each side will be coming into this 1 on more even footing, and Chicago actually has a solid matchup on the mound. They're starting lefty Drew Smyly, and the Marlins remain the absolute worst team against such pitching. The same can be said about yesterday's matchup, against lefty Justin Steele. Miami held true to their rank, who didn't score their single run until the 7th inning, and struck out 10 times in just 4.2 innings against Steele.
Not only should Smyly have success simply due to the matchup, he has experience against the Marlins. As a former Brave, he faced them twice last season, allowing just 2 runs over 10.2 innings. That's great news as Miami remains without their best hitters, Jazz Chisholm and Jorge Soler. Furthermore, they even sent down Jesus Sanchez to triple-A. While their lineup is being depleted, the Cubs were able to hang on to their best 2 hitters at the trade deadline. All-stars Willson Contreras and Ian Happ both remained in Chicago, and are essential to supporting Smyly. Just as Contreras won the game for the Cubs yesterday, those 2 can support Smyly today for back-to-back wins.