Cubs vs. Reds Prediction
The Chicago Cubs dominated the series opener Friday night at the Cincinnati Reds. Will the result be in Chicago’s favor again this afternoon when the series resumes?
Game Snapshot
981 Chicago Cubs at 982 Cincinnati Reds
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Great American Ballpark at 1:10PM ET
TV: FS-O (CIN)
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Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, odds have not yet been released for this game. Go to our MLB Live Odds page for the latest updates. As of Saturday morning, public betting information has also not been released. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for up-to-date info.
Lester tosses gem
Chicago left-handed starter Jon Lester tossed six outstanding innings Friday night at Cincinnati, allowing one earned run on two hits with eight strikeouts and one walk in the 8-1 victory. Lester was backed in part by Addison Russell, who went 4-for-4 with four singles plus a run and an RBI. Willson Contreras was 3-for-6 with a run and an RBI. Kris Bryant finished 2-for-6 with a double and a run. Anthony Rizzo was 2-for-6 with two runs and two RBIs.
Kyle Hendricks (3-3. 3.20 ERA) will get the start today for the Cubs.
Duvall accounts for lone Reds run
Cincinnati outfielder Adam Duvall has struggled all season as his batting average is still only at .194, but he has continued to provide the occasional power and he hit his ninth home run of the season Friday for the only run charged against Lester. It made it a 6-1 game in the bottom of the fifth, but the Reds were unable to muster anything further. Scooter Gennett had the only other hit for Cincinnati in the loss. Homer Bailey surrendered six earned runs on 10 hits with three strikeouts and five walks over 4 2/3 innings, dropping to 1-6 on the season.
Luis Castillo (3-4, 6.02 ERA) will draw today’s start for the Reds.
MLB Betting Trends
Chicago
The under is 9-3 in the last 12 Chicago games following a win. The Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10 games overall.
Cincinnati
The Reds are 6-22 in their last 28 home games. Cincinnati is 18-44 in the last 62 meetings.
Prediction:
The Cubs eased to Friday’s win and I expect them to take advantage of Castillo’s struggles today. Hendricks is almost always reliable and I expect him to spin another solid start here.
MLB DAILY PREDICTION: CHICAGO CUBS