Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB Picks, MLB Free Picks, MLB Predictions 5/31/26

Quick Picks with Coach Rick Bowe, MLB Picks, MLB Free Picks, MLB Predictions 5/31/26

CHICAGO CUBS @ ST. LOUIS (CHC -114, 8.5)

MLB ODDS, MLB PREDICTIONS, MLB PREVIEWS

COACH RICK MLB PREVIEWS

CUBS @ CARDINALS 5/31/26

Tonight’s series finale at Busch Stadium features a classic NL Central rivalry under the lights. With both teams sending left-handed starters to the mound who have shown significant vulnerability recently, the statistical landscape points toward a high-scoring affair and specific player advantages.

The pitching matchup between Jordan Wicks and Matthew Liberatore is a recipe for offense. Wicks struggled immensely in his first start of 2026, surrendering 8 earned runs in just 4.1 innings against Pittsburgh, resulting in a 16.62 ERA and a 2.31 WHIP. Liberatore hasn't been much better lately, giving up 11 earned runs over his last three starts. Chicago’s offense has found its rhythm, scoring 28 runs over their last four games (7.0 runs per game), while the Over has cashed in four of the Cubs' last five outings.

PICKING A SIDE

While both pitchers are questionable, the Cubs enter this matchup with the superior offensive momentum. Chicago has won three of its last four games and historically performs well against St. Louis, going 4-1 in their last five meetings. Liberatore has struggled at home this season, and the Cubs' lineup—led by a surging Pete Crow-Armstrong—is well-positioned to exploit his 1.57 WHIP. Despite being on the road, the Cubs' recent scoring output makes them the definitive choice in a potential shootout. AI projections give the Cubs a 57.6% chance to win tonight. Chicago has won 3 of its last 

PLAYER PROPS

Crow-Armstrong is the hottest hitter in this series. He is coming off a massive 4-for-5 performance on Saturday that included a home run and a double. Over his last 5 games, he has a 100% hit rate, averaging 1.6 hits per game. He has also been perfect against the Cardinals this year, hitting the over in 100% of his 2 matchups with a staggering 2.5 hits per game average. Against a left-hander like Liberatore, Crow-Armstrong’s speed and recent barrel consistency make his Over 0.5 Hits the strongest prop on the board.

Alex Bregman has been the model of consistency for the Cubs' lineup. He has recorded at least one hit in each of his last 10 games (100% hit rate), averaging 1.3 hits per game over that span. His performance doesn't dip on the road, where he maintains a 72.41% hit rate. Bregman has already faced the Cardinals twice this season and recorded a hit in both contests. Given Liberatore’s tendency to allow baserunners (1.57 WHIP), Bregman is a near-lock to extend his streak tonight. Back Bregman Over 0.5 Hits.

Michael Busch has been a primary run producer for Chicago, leading the team with 35 RBIs. He has hit the Over on his 1.5 HRR prop in 4of his last 5 games, averaging 3.0 HRR (Hits + Runs + RBIs) per game. His history against the Cardinals is elite. In 12 games against them in 2025, he averaged 4.5 HRR, and he has maintained that 100% hit rate through 2 games in 2026. With runners likely to be on base frequently against Liberatore, Busch is in a prime position to drive in runs and cross the plate himself.

NEWS & INJURY UPDATES

The Cubs offense is surging at the right time, led by Crow-Armstrong's 4-hit game yesterday. However, the rotation remains thin with Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon's recent availability issues, putting immense pressure on Jordan Wicks to perform better than his season debut.

The Cardinals have struggled recently, dropping 5 of their last 6 games. Jordan Walker remains their most dangerous threat (.290 BA, 15 HR), but the team has struggled to provide consistent run support, averaging only 3.0 runs over their last three games.

Busch Stadium is typically more hitter-friendly (Park Factor Rank: 102). There is rain in the forecast and winds will be blowing in at game time, but only in the 5 to 10 mph range. 

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FREE PICK: CUBS TEAM TOTAL OVER 3.5

The Cubs struggled through that losing streak, but the offense has started to turn back around. Chicago has scored 28 runs over its last four games and getting four runs against Matthew Liberatore and a pretty mediocre Cardinals bullpen just seems like a given. Liberatore did have a solid start against the Cubs at home last year (7IP, 2ER), but the Cubs are still 7th in MLB in scoring and they’ve scored at least 4 runs in 36 of 59 (61%) games this season. They’ve also scored at least 4 runs in 10 of the last 15 against St. Louis.

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