Reds try to play spoiler against Cubbies
Cincinnati’s Joey Votto’s batting .400 with a 1.051 OPS since Sept. 3. Instability everywhere else on the roster, though, explains why his team is mired in the NL Central basement yet again.
The Reds hope to score a rare victory over the MLB-best Cubs tonight, with an 8:05 p.m. ET first pitch at Wrigley Field. Not surprisingly, handicappers at online sports book BetDSI lean toward the hosts. Bryan Price’s gang enters the tilt as a +255 underdog.
Despite another multi-hit effort for Votto, Cincy dropped yesterday’s series opener. The club’s on pace to lose 90-plus games for the second straight campaign. Injuries are piling up, too, with veteran righty Homer Bailey (sore right biceps) the latest casualty.
Jon Lester (17-4, 2.40 ERA), of course, couldn’t care less about the Reds’ problems. The All-Star lefty, who boasts a 0.91 WHIP over his past 11 assignments, looks to strengthen those Cy Young credentials in a few hours. He’s 2-0 with a 3.02 ERA in seven career appearances against Cincinnati.
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In light of the visiting squad’s rash of ailments, Price has little choice but to turn to Josh Smith (3-1, 4.97). The Florida native will become Cincy’s 15th different starting hurler this season. Like many others before him, however, the 29-year-old seems destined to succumb to the most dominant group in the majors.
TUESDAY MLB FREE PICK: REDS/CUBS OVER 8.5 RUNS