Sign In $
MLB

Cubs vs. Reds Picks, Predictions, Odds

Michael Crosson
Michael Crosson Sports Betting Expert
3 minute read

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Betting Analysis

Chicago and Cincinnati meet up for the first of a three-game series on Thursday, August 11 for the Field of Dreams Dyersville, Iowa.

The Cubs rank third in the National League Central with records of 45-65 overall and 21-31 on the road, which trails the division leading Cardinals by 16 games. The Reds are 17 games back in the National League Central standings with records of 44-66 overall and 24-32 at home on the year.

Updated on 04/27/2024
BetMGM BetMGM Exclusive Offer: Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,600 in Sports Bonus!
Bonus Code VIBONUS1600 Claim Now
Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Betting Prediction

The Reds send LHP Nick Lodolo to the hill against Chicago’s 21st ranked scoring offense on Thursday night (4.13 RSPG), who’s having a bumpy rookie campaign sitting 3-3 with a 4.40 ERA across nine starts this season (1.58 WHIP), which includes a 1-1 record and 6.57 ERA across three outings against NL Central opponents (12.1 IP, 9 ER).

On the flip side, the Cubs send veteran LHP Drew Smyly to the mound against Cincinnati’s 20th ranked scoring offense tonight (4.24 RSPG), who’s having his best campaign since his time with Tampa Bay back in 2014-16 (15-15, 3.95 ERA), which already includes a winning performance against the Reds (5.2 IP, 3 ER).

I’ll take the under here, as Lodolo has tossed five innings or more and allowed two runs or less in four of his last seven outings for the Reds (3-1, 3.44 ERA); setting the stage for a relatively low-scoring battle against the Cubs and Smyly, who’s 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA across his last four starts (1.19 WHIP), and 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA across five career starts against Cincinnati (1.10 WHIP).

Score Prediction: Cubs 4, Reds 3
Best Bet: Under 9 (+100)

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Betting Odds

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Betting Resources

  • Date: Thursday, August 11, 2022
  • Matchup: NL Central
  • Venue: Field of Dreams
  • Location: Dyersville, IA
  • Time-TV: 7:15 p.m. ET – FOX

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds – Current Form

Chicago continues to roll, going 4-2 in its last six games against the Marlins and the Nationals. In the second contest against Miami on Saturday, the Cubs were in their best form in the last six games, not allowing the Marlins to score one single run. Their worst performance in the last six games was allowing six runs on Tuesday, in the second match of the series played against the Nationals. Cincinnati captured its series against Milwaukee 2-1, but the Reds fell to the Mets on Wednesday. In Monday’s game, the first of three they played against New York, Cincy's offense only produced one run.

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds – Pitching Matchup

Chicago: Drew Smyly (4-6, 3.98 ERA)

Drew Smyly takes the mound in the series opener as he makes his 14th start of the season for the Cubs in this contest. He comes in 4-6 with a 3.98 ERA, a 1.29 WHIP, 15 walks and 52 strikeouts over 65.2 innings of work on the year. The Cubs edged the Miami Marlins, 4-0 on August 6, 2022 behind Smyly’s 6.2 strong innings of work. Pitching on the road this season, Smyly is 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA, a 1.32 WHIP, eight walks and 28 strikeouts over 38.0 innings in eight starts.

Cincinnati: Nick Lodolo (3-3, 4.39 ERA)

Cincinnati ace Nick Lodolo toes the rubber for his ninth start of the season as he looks to improve on a 3-3 mark and 4.39 ERA. The left-hander has put together a 1.58 WHIP to go along with 58 strikeouts and 20 walks in 43.0 innings of work. The 24-year-old left-hander didn’t factor in the decision in his last start, when the Reds lost to the Milwaukee Brewers on August 6, 2022 on the road. Lodolo tossed 4.2 innings in the 5-7 defeat by the Milwaukee Brewers, while giving up three runs on four hits with four strikeouts and four walks. Pitching at home this season, Lodolo is 3-1 with a 2.87 ERA, a 1.40 WHIP, 11 walks and 41 strikeouts over 31.1 innings in six starts.

Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds – Series History

Cincinnati got the best of these 2021 encounters, producing a 11-8 mark in the regular season. For the fourth time in seven meetings this season, the Cubs defeated the Reds.

Mlb News

Michael Crosson

Michael Crosson

Michael Crosson began his time at VegasInsider as a freelance NBA writer back in 2019 while he continued to study Psychology and Biology at James Madison University. Following his graduation in 2021, Michael joined the team full-time, and he's been with VI ever since. Michael still writes NBA, NFL, and MLB for VI, as well as gambling industry news. He's also become a crucial part of our editorial production team. More from Michael Crosson
•