Kansas City Royals vs Chicago Cubs Prediction and Same Game Parlay picks, August 9, 2026

As the Kansas City Royals host the Chicago Cubs, all eyes will be on Nico Hoerner’s plate appearances. While Hoerner has shown flashes of brilliance this season, recent trends suggest he might struggle to find consistent contact against the Royals’ left-hander. Over his last ten games, he’s been hitting just.220, and his batting average against southpaws this year hovers around a mere.250. Add to that the fact that the Royals’ starter has been particularly effective at limiting hits, with a solid ground ball rate that could keep Hoerner in check. The Cubs' lineup has been inconsistent lately, averaging just 3.5 runs in their last five outings. With the odds favoring the under on Hoerner’s hits, this matchup seems primed for a game where he might fall short of that 1.5 mark. Keep an eye on the trends; it’s shaping up to be a tough day at the plate for him.

Randy Dobnak Under 3.5 Strikeouts (-179)

As the Royals and Cubs face off, all eyes will be on Randy Dobnak, but there’s a case for taking the under on his strikeouts at 3.5. Despite his potential, Dobnak has struggled to find consistent rhythm, averaging just under two strikeouts per game in his recent outings. The Royals, with their patient approach at the plate, rank among the league leaders in avoiding strikeouts, making it tough for any pitcher to rack up K’s against them. Additionally, Dobnak's last few starts saw him facing lineups that were more aggressive, yet he still couldn't produce enough strikeouts to clear this line. Given the Royals' knack for making contact and Dobnak’s current form, it’s wise to lean toward the under here, as the dynamics of this matchup suggest a lower strikeout tally. Expect more balls in play than bats to miss, making the under a smart play in this contest.

Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC) Under 1.5 Hits (-196)

As we gear up for the Royals and Cubs showdown, Pete Crow-Armstrong’s recent performance suggests a tough day at the plate. Hitting under the bright lights of Kauffman Stadium, he’s faced stronger pitching as of late, particularly from the Royals’ starter who’s been racking up strikeouts and keeping opposing hitters off balance. The Cubs have struggled against right-handed pitchers, and while Crow-Armstrong has flashed potential, he’s also shown vulnerability in clutch situations. With an implied probability nudging over 66%, it seems the odds are stacked against him reaching that 1.5 hits mark today. Kansas City’s bullpen has been surprisingly effective, often shutting down late-game rallies. Given Crow-Armstrong’s current trajectory and the matchup dynamics, betting the under on his hits feels like a savvy play today. Keep an eye out; this could be a classic case of a talented player finding it hard to get his swings going.

That is the whole read. Every leg above is our own number against the price on the board at the time we wrote this, and the price can move before you get on. Bet what you can afford to lose. If betting stops being fun, take a break.