Chicago Cubs vs
Cincinnati RedsPredictions & Preview

Cubs and Reds Set to Clash in Series Opener with Chicago Favored to Win

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are set to face off in the opening game of a weekend series, with both teams looking to build momentum. Chicago is coming off a win against the Marlins while Cincinnati fell to the Pirates in their previous game. The Reds won the season series last year, but the Cubs took two of three in their most recent matchup. Matthew Boyd will start for the Cubs, while Hunter Greene will take the mound for the Reds. Chicago is the betting favorite for this matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cubs -109 | Reds -101
• Spread: Cubs -1.5 (+140) | Reds +1.5 (-170)
• Total: Over/Under 8 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 52%.

Chicago vs Cincinnati Stats

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs won their second straight game and seventh in their last nine by defeating the Marlins on the road in a rubber match on Wednesday afternoon. The Cubs are currently 30-20 and hold a three-game lead on the Cardinals for the top spot in the NL Central. Kyle Tucker led the offense with three hits, including a home run and an RBI single that plated the winning run. Cade Horton pitched 5.1 innings, allowing one run, but did not factor in the decision. Brad Keller picked up the win with 1.2 scoreless innings of relief, while Daniel Palencia earned his first save of the year. Matthew Boyd will make his 10th start of the season for the Cubs, with a 4-2 record and a 2.98 ERA. The Cubs have a power ranking of 5, ranking 1 in offense, 16 in defense, and are 30-20 this season.

Cincinnati Reds Analysis

The Cincinnati Reds dropped their second straight game after a five-game win streak, falling to the Pirates in the rubber game of their series. The Reds are currently 25-26 on the year and stand third in the NL Central, 5.5 games behind the Cubs. Against Pittsburgh, Cincinnati struggled offensively with just four hits and one run scored. Hunter Greene will start his ninth game of the season for the Reds, boasting a 4-2 record and a 2.36 ERA. Offensively, the Reds rank 11th in the league, scoring an average of 4.54 runs per game. On the defensive side, they rank 10th, allowing an average of 3.84 runs per game. The Cubs went 1-2 in their last three matchups against Cincinnati.

Boyd and Greene Set to Face off as Cubs Favored in Series Opener against Reds

Both pitchers have shown strong performances so far this season leading up to this game. Boyd has emerged as a key starter for the Cubs with injuries to other pitchers on the roster. On the other hand, Greene is returning for the Reds after being on the injured list, likely with limitations on his pitch count. The Reds struggled offensively in their recent series against the Pirates, scoring only eight runs in three games. This lack of offensive production raises concerns when facing a potent Cubs lineup. Considering these factors, Chicago is favored to win the opening game of this series due to their offensive prowess.

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