The Chicago Cubs will play their divisional rival Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The first pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET and the matchup will be televised on both WLS and FSOH.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Odds
The Reds are 41-33 against the spread (ATS), but just 30-45 straight up (SU). The teams lost 9.9 units for moneyline bettors and 2.1 units (ATS). Cincinnati has covered the spread six times in its last seven games and the under has hit in five of those seven. The Cubs are 42-31 SU and have gone 37-35 ATS. Overall, the teams lost 2.1 units for moneyline bettors, but have gained 3.0 units ATS. Chicago has covered the spread four times in its last seven games and the under has cashed in five of those seven.
Cincinnati games have an over/under record of 34-38-2 so far in 2018. The Cubs have been a good under bet with a total record of 28-43-1.
Luke Farrell is getting the start for the visiting Cubs. The right-handed Farrell (2-2, 3.63 ERA) has racked up 26 strikeouts in 17.1 innings so far. He has yet to face the Reds this year and did not record a start against them in 2017, either.
The Reds are putting the ball in the right hand of Anthony DeSclafani (2-1, 4.60 ERA, 1.47 WHIP), who’s got 15 strikeouts and four walks this season. DeSclafani did not pitch in the majors in 2017.
Chicago’s pitchers have allowed 3.5 runs per game and its starters own a 3.49 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 7.88 K/9. The bullpen has logged an excellent ERA of just 2.80, along with a K/9 of 9.13.
Cubs hitters have slashed .257/.342/.414 on their way to 4.8 runs scored per game in 2018, including 4.3 runs per game against divisional foes and 2.8 per game over the teams last five outings (2-3 SU).
Third baseman Kris Bryant and second baseman Javier Baez have led Chicago’s offense. Bryant is slashing .280/.383/.481 with nine home runs, 36 RBIs and 40 runs scored, while Baez has a .266 average with 14 homers, 49 RBIs, 42 runs and 13 steals.
In the other dugout, Cincinnati’s pitchers have given up 5.1 runs per game overall in 2018. Its starting pitching staff has an ERA of 5.34, a WHIP of 1.47 and a strikeouts-per-nine of 7.3. The bullpen has a 4.05 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 8.2 K/9. In 33 games against NL Central foes, Reds starters have an ERA of 5.77 and the bullpen’s ERA is 4.11.
Cincinnati’s hitters have produced 4.4 runs per outing, including 3.5 per game against divisional foes and 6.8 per game over their last five. The team has hit .322/.408/.532 over its last five matchups and is 5-0 SU during that stretch.
Second baseman Scooter Gennett and first baseman Joey Votto have led the Reds batters this year. Gennett is hitting .335/.370/.537 with 13 home runs, 50 RBIs and 38 runs scored, and Votto’s line sits at .299/.428/.451 with seven homers, 37 RBIs and 39 runs.
The Cubs have lost 5.8 units and are 29-28 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher this season. The over has cashed in 22 of those games, compared to 34 that’ve gone under against righties. On the other hand, the Reds have lost 9.8 units and are 30-24 ATS when facing a right-handed starting pitcher. The over has hit in 22 of those games, compared to 31 which went under the total.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Reds, ATS Winner – Cubs, O/U – UNDER
Betting Trends
- The over has cashed in just two of Cincinnati’s last seven games.
- Chicago has recorded 18.5 Runs + Hits + Errors per game over its last 10 contests and 18.8 over its last five.
- The Cubs have hit eight home runs in their last 10 games. The Reds have hit 13 over their last 10.
