Cubs vs. Reds Prediction
Will the Cubs open their series tonight against the Reds with a victory?
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Cubs are -175 money line favorites versus the Reds, who have odds of +155 to pull off the upset tonight at home. With Jon Lester set to oppose Tim Adleman in the pitching matchup, the over/under currently sits at 8.5 runs.
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Lester had his start moved up to tonight against the Reds, but it’s unsure why. The Cubs are in Boston next week and perhaps Joe Maddon wanted to avoid having Lester face his old team in what would surely be an emotional game for both sides. Either way, Lester is still searching for his first win of the season despite his ERA sitting at 1.00 over 18 combined innings.
Reds manager Bryan Price said earlier this week that Adleman will start tonight after making his season debut last Sunday versus the Brewers. He completed four innings, allowing just one run while walking nobody and striking out five. Sal Romano was sent back to Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday so Adleman could stick around for a while if he continues to pitch well.
Bet Tonight’s Cubs vs. Reds Game
OUR PICK: The Cubs have won 13 of their last 16 meetings with the Reds in Cincinnati and are 4-1 in Lester’s last five road starts against the Reds. The Cubs have also won 20 of their last 26 games with Cincinnati and their offense is starting to roll after multiple come-from-behind victories versus Milwaukee this week. The Cubs don’t offer a ton of value on the money line, but their runline odds are enticing.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: CHICAGO CUBS -1.5 (+110)