The St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs are gearing up for a classic matchup today, with Jack Flaherty and Jameson Taillon taking the mound. While the Cubs are slight favorites, with odds listed at -130, the game’s total stands at an unexpected 8, suggesting that the wind might be blowing in at the iconic Wrigley Field.

The Cardinals’ performance this season has been defined by inconsistency, with their last back-to-back wins coming in mid-April against the Colorado Rockies. Flaherty, who was once a standout pitcher for the Cardinals, has been struggling to regain his form post-surgery. His last outing saw him give up 10 runs and nine hits in just over two innings against the Angels, a performance he’ll be keen to improve upon.

On the other side, the Cubs’ starter, Taillon, hasn’t exactly inspired confidence either. His pitches seem to be losing movement, making them easier to hit. Despite their recent win, the Cardinals still face a daunting task against a Cubs team that knows Flaherty well.

Despite the wind blowing in and the cooler weather conditions in Chicago, the total for the game seems ripe for an over, especially given the recent form of both starting pitchers. So, if you’re a betting enthusiast, it might be worth considering the Over in this matchup. Although the conditions might not be perfect for a high-scoring game, the combination of these two struggling pitchers might just set the stage for an unexpected run-fest.