The CPBL train keeps rolling and to be honest it has been pretty fun to follow from a baseball fan and bettor perspective. The MLB better hurry up and start their season because if this continues much longer they will lose fans to the overseas league that is playing through the PANICdemic. For this Thursday’s betting preview we look to the undefeated Rakuten Monkeys who will square off against the Uni-President 7-ELEVEN Lions (the names take getting used to). The lossless Monkeys are a favorite at U.S. sportsbooks, but Uni-President is looking to upset the current CPBL Champions with a win in Tainan Municipal Baseball Stadium. Register to make your wagers and read on for our game prediction below.
The Rakuten Monkeys were hoping to close out their two-game series against the Chinatrust Brothers with another win on Wednesday. They were up 4-1 but heavy seasonal rains put a damper on that parade. The game was called and based on CPBL rules no official winner was named even though it was clear that Rakuten was running away with the victory. With a tight schedule to catchup with the delayed season the game will not be pushed – both Rakuten and Chinatrust have games on the 24th. Speaking of, coming into this Thursday’s meeting with the Uni-President Lions the Monkeys are expected to add another game to the win column. SofaScore gives the visiting team 2/1 odds to win, while the sportsbook prices the Monkeys at -200 to win. Rakuten’s spread is set at -1.5 with a price of -140.
The Uni-President Lions lost twice to the Rakuten Monkeys this early season. In the last game (April 16) they dropped the ball in a lopsided 15-3 loss. They fared much better the day before, almost starting the Monkeys’ 2020 campaign with a loss, but in the end the score read 9-8 in favor of the 2019 Champs. The Uni-Lions are coming off of a win however, after beating the Fubon Guardians 9-5 on Tuesday. Former Major Leaguer Donn Roach (1-1, 9.31 ERA) started on the mound for the Lions in that game. He worked five innings before being relieved, giving up nine hits and four runs. Chiang Chen-Yen is expected to start for the Uni-Lions this Thursday.
Going into the game against Rakuten, the sportsbook has the Lions pegged as underdogs with a price of +160.
Writer’s Prediction
The Rakuten Monkeys can’t stop, won’t stop, and extend their winning streak to seven, beating the Lions 8-3.
