San Diego Padres vs Chicago Cubs Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 4/29/26, 12:55 PM  by Bill Christy | Modified on 4/30/26 at 4:39 PM in MLB Picks

It has been a high-scoring series so far between the San Diego Padres (19-10) and the Chicago Cubs (18-12). Each team has taken one game thus far and the series will be decided this evening.

Game one of the series was an exciting back-and-forth fight that ended with the Padres on top with a 9-7 victory. 9 of those 16 runs came in the 1st three innings of the game. In game two, it was a close game until the 7th inning when the Cubs broke things open with a 4-run inning that gave them the 8-3 lead, which they never squandered.

Tonight, there are likely to be more runs scored than the oddsmakers anticipate once again. Jameson Tailon and his 4.55 ERA will be on the mound for the Cubs, while Matt Waldron will bring his disastrous 12.46 ERA for the Padres. Tailon is coming off a start against the Dodgers in which he allowed 4 runs in 5 innings. Waldron is coming off his 2nd straight start, where he allowed 6 runs. This time was against Colorado, where he also walked 3 batters in just 5 innings of work.

If either lineup can get to these pitchers that have struggled early in the season, the over will be in serious jeopardy early in this game. While one could have a strong outing, it is unlikely that both will.