Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Predictions August 2, 2023: B. Williamson vs D. Smyly

Game outlook

Reds vs Cubs Showdown Set For Wednesday Night With Christopher Morel Leading Cubs On Path To Wild Card Spot

Game Info

When: Wednesday, 8/2/2023 @ 8:05pm EST

Where: Wrigley Field Stadium Reds vs Cubs Odds & Probabilities Moneyline: Reds +120 | Cubs -132

Spread: Reds +1.5 (-165) | Cubs -1.5 (+141)

Total: Over/Under 10 (-110)

Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 57%.

The Cincinnati Reds (59-50, 71-38 RL, 58-51 O/U) face the Chicago Cubs (54-53, 57-50 RL, 56-47-4 O/U) in an NL Central showdown on Wednesday evening, with the Reds having the lead in the season series at 5-2 after a 20-9 Cubs win on Tuesday. Brandon Williamson (ERA: 4.48) will start for Cincinnati and Drew Smyly (ERA: 4.75) will be the starter for Chicago. The Cubs are the betting favorites, opening the line at -135 and currently sitting at -132.

Cincinnati Reds

For the Cincinnati Reds, Brandon Williamson will be on the hill in this game. Williamson had a superb July, earning a 2.45 ERA, and his season stats are 3-2 with a 4.48 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in 64.1 innings pitched. In his only career game against the Cubs, he conceded four runs in 4.1 innings. The Reds are 7-3 in their last 10 games, 1.5 games ahead of the Brewers in the division, and are 59-50 this season. Spencer Steer, the Reds' 25-year-old first baseman, has been a tough out against the Cubs - with a .304 batting average, three RBIs and a 1.01 OPS - and has 15 homers with 58 RBIs and a .810 OPS this season. Cincinnati is ranked 8th in offense, scoring an average of 4.88 runs per game, 25th in defense, allowing an average of 4.83 points per game, and 12th in power ranking.