Cincinnati Reds vs
Chicago CubsPredictions & Preview

Chicago Cubs Favored to Beat Cincinnati Reds in Game Two at Wrigley Field

The Cincinnati Reds will face the Chicago Cubs in game two of their series at Wrigley Field. The Reds have a record of 76-84 while the Cubs sit at 82-78 in the National League Central. Cincinnati has a 7-4 season record against the Cubs. The game is set for 2:20 p.m. EST with Rhett Lowder and Kyle Hendricks as the starting pitchers. Chicago is favored to win, with the current line at Chicago -125. Make sure to stay updated for all the latest MLB picks!

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Reds +115 | Cubs -125
• Spread: Reds +1.5 (-196) | Cubs -1.5 (+170)
• Total: Over/Under 7 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Chicago will win straight-up is 56%.

Cincinnati vs Chicago Stats

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds suffered their fourth consecutive loss yesterday against the Chicago Cubs, with a final score of 1-0. This defeat marks the end of a disappointing five-game road trip, during which the team went 0-3. The Reds have struggled this season with hitting, ranking fourth to last in the league with a batting average of .232. Despite their hitting woes, they have managed to score runs by getting on base through walks and hit by pitches. Cincinnati ranks 10th in walks and fourth in hit by pitches. Additionally, they excel at stealing bases, ranking third in MLB in stolen bases. However, in their last five games, the Reds have only managed to average two runs per game, with two of those games resulting in a shutout. On Saturday, right-handed pitcher Rhett Lowder, with a 2-2 record and an ERA of 1.40 in 5 appearances, will take the mound for the Reds. This season marks Lowder's debut in the major league. With an overall power ranking of 15, the Reds rank 15th in offense, scoring an average of 4.38 runs per game, and 16th in defense, allowing an average of 4.34 runs against them per game. Their current season record stands at 76-84.

Chicago Cubs Analysis

The Chicago Cubs earned a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, marking their fifth win in their last eight games. Despite a winning percentage of .513, the Cubs fell short of making the postseason as they finished their season with a three-game home series against Cincinnati. Known for solid pitching, the Cubs ranked tenth in ERA at 3.81, with standout performances from pitchers like Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon. However, their middle-of-the-road offense, with a batting average of .243 and the 12th most runs per game in MLB, ultimately contributed to their playoff miss. Right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks will start for the Cubs on Saturday, with a 4-12 record and 6.28 ERA this season. The Cubs have a power ranking of 8, ranking 11th in offense and 12th in defense, with an overall record of 82-78. In their last three matchups against Cincinnati, the Reds went 2-1 against the Cubs.

Cincinnati Reds Favored to Win Against Chicago Cubs in Pitching Matchup

In the previous series against the Chicago Cubs, the Cincinnati Reds emerged victorious with a 2-1 series win. The upcoming game highlights a notable pitching disparity, with Kyle Hendricks taking the mound for Chicago. Hendricks holds a 3-3 record with a 5.28 ERA in his last ten games against the Reds. Conversely, rookie pitcher Rhett Lowder will be starting for the Reds, boasting a 1-1 record with a 0.59 ERA in his three home games this season. It is anticipated that the Reds will secure an early lead, potentially facing challenges as they rely on their bullpen. Nevertheless, the Reds are likely to maintain their strength and secure a win. Therefore, I am favoring the Cincinnati Reds to win on the money line.

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