Las Vegas Cris favored betting on Chicago Cubs starting strong in the first five innings against the Rangers. Their simulation model shows the Cubs leading by at least one run in nearly 64% of outcomes. Chicago has excelled against right-handed pitching in 2025, posting a .259 batting average, .359 on-base percentage, and .784 OPS. Shota Imanaga, the Cubs starter, has dominated early with only two earned runs allowed in 18 innings and a 0.71 WHIP, facing a struggling Texas lineup. The Cubs have consistently provided profitable first-five-inning results since mid-last season, sustaining that trend early in 2025.