The Chicago Cubs (71-86) host the Cincinnati Reds (60-97) at Wrigley Field on Saturday. The Cubs took Friday’s series opener 6-1, their fifth straight victory overall and eighth in 14 games against the Reds this season. Starter Adrian Sampson got the win, giving up one run on three hits over seven innings. Ian Happ went 2 for 3 with two runs in the win. Jake Fraley was 3 for 4 with a solo home run for the Reds.
ON THE MOUND
Nick Lodolo (4-7, 3.75 ERA) is set for the start for Cincinnati. The LHP allowed one run over six innings in his last start, a 2-1 road win over the Brewers on Sunday. He gave up four hits while striking out six and walking one in the no-decision. Lodolo has made one previous start against the Cubs this season, a 4-2 home loss on August 11. He surrendered four runs on seven hits over 4.2 innings, striking out six and walking four. LHP Drew Smyly (7-8, 3.48 ERA) takes the mound for Chicago. He has made two appearances against the Reds this season, both starts, giving up three runs over 10.2 innings (2-0, 2.53) with 14 strikeouts and four walks. In his last start on September 14, Smyly got the win on the road against the Mets. He threw five innings and gave up two runs (1 ER) on four hits, striking out five and walking one in the 6-3 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged only 2.0 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.1, while slashing worse across the board (.177/.226/.316). Against left-handed pitchers like Smyly this season, the Reds have a .716 OPS. Kyle Farmer is the team’s most potent producer against left-handers with a .934 OPS in 137 at-bats. Chicago is averaging 4.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.0 for the season. The Cubs have a .701 OPS against left-handers in 2022. With a .887 OPS over 118 at-bats, Patrick Wisdom has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cincinnati is on a four-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 29-50 in 2022. The Reds have scored 3.5 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.9 runs. Chicago has won four in a row at their home ballpark. The Cubs are 35-44 at home this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. Chicago is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the NL Central rivals at Wrigley Field with an average scoreline of 5.6-3.8.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Reds are fourth in the NL Central, 30 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, 20 games behind the Cardinals.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cincinnati Reds (+125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
