St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs Prediction

ATS PREDICTION

St. Louis Cardinals Win

Predicted: 7-5

+1.29 DraftKings

⚡71%

This prediction is for the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs game on May 31, 2026, as the confirmed pitching matchup and team schedules indicate this is the intended game, despite the user's prompt specifying June 1, 2026. The St. Louis Cardinals have a slight advantage playing at home. The Cubs' starting pitcher, Jordan Wicks, is a significant concern, having recently returned from the injured list and struggled immensely in his last outing on May 26, giving up 8 earned runs in just 4.1 innings pitched. While Cardinals' starter Matthew Liberatore also carries a high 4.76 ERA and has struggled to pitch deep into games, his recent performances are not as alarming as Wicks's. The Cardinals' offense showed life in the series opener, hitting three home runs in their 6-5 victory over the Cubs on May 29. Although both teams are in poor recent form (Cardinals 3-7, Cubs 2-8 in their last 10 games), the severe pitching mismatch in favor of the Cardinals' lineup makes them the more likely winner in this high-variance MLB contest.

SPREAD PREDICTION

St. Louis Cardinals -1.5 (-1.5)

-2.5 (+2.13) DraftKings

56%

Given Jordan Wicks' recent poor performance and the Cardinals' home-field advantage, the Cardinals are projected to win by at least two runs. Liberatore's struggles might keep the game closer, but the offensive potential against Wicks creates an opportunity for the Cardinals to cover the spread. The Cubs' bullpen, though performing well recently, might be overtaxed given Wicks' likely short outing.

TOTAL PREDICTION

Over 8

O/U 8.5 (+2.03) DraftKings

63%

Both starting pitchers, Matthew Liberatore (4.76 ERA) and Jordan Wicks (16.62 ERA in 2026), have struggled significantly this season, particularly in recent outings. This suggests that runs are likely to be scored by both teams early in the game. The Cardinals' offense demonstrated power in the series opener, hitting multiple home runs, and the Cubs also put up 4 runs in the first two innings of that game.

✅ Moneyline: St. Louis Cardinals

With Jordan Wicks' documented struggles and high ERA (16.62 in 2026), the Cardinals at home present a strong value pick. Their offense has shown ability to capitalize on shaky pitching, as seen in the series opener.

✅ Total Runs: Over 8.0

Both Liberatore and Wicks have exhibited vulnerabilities on the mound this season. Liberatore has a 4.76 ERA, and Wicks gave up 8 earned runs in his most recent start. This suggests a game with plenty of scoring opportunities for both offenses.

✅ Player Home Runs: Jordan Walker Over 0.5 Home Runs

Jordan Walker has been exceptional this season, slashing .300/.367/.576 with 15 home runs. He also homered in the first game of this series against a struggling Cubs pitching staff. Against a vulnerable starter like Wicks, Walker has a good chance to go deep.

💰 Sharp Money

Sharp money is likely to target the over on total runs due to the struggling starting pitchers. There may also be interest in the Cardinals' moneyline given Wicks's recent performance. Line movement: Expect potential line movement towards the Cardinals and the 'over' as game day approaches and more bettors become aware of Jordan Wicks's recent poor outing and Liberatore's ongoing struggles.