The Chicago Cubs (22-28) host the Cincinnati Reds (22-29) at Wrigley Field on Saturday. The Reds took Friday’s series opener 9-0, their second head-to-head victory in three games this season.
Starter Hunter Greene threw six scoreless, no-hit innings – striking out 11 – for the win. Stuart Fairchild was 3 for 4 with two doubles and two runs in the win.
Spencer Steer went 3 for 6 with a triple and a double. He scored one run and drove in one. Christopher Morel went 1 for 3 for the Cubs.
ON THE MOUND
Brandon Williamson (0-0, 3.60 ERA) is in line for the start for Cincinnati. The lefty allowed four runs (three earned) over 4.1 innings in his last start, a 6-5 road win over the Cardinals on Monday. He gave up four hits while striking out three and walking four in the no-decision.
For Chicago, right-hander Jameson Taillon (0-3, 8.10 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Reds. In his last start on May 20, Taillon took the loss on the road against the Phillies. He threw 2.1 innings and gave up eight runs (6 ER) on six hits, striking out one and walking three in the 12-3 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Cincinnati has averaged 6.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.4, while slashing better across the board (.328/.384/.484).
Against right-handed pitchers like Taillon this season, the Reds have a .688 OPS. TJ Friedl is the team’s strongest performer against right-handers with a .882 OPS in 111 at-bats.
Chicago is averaging only 2.6 runs per game in the last five, down from 4.6 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.173/.283/.308).
The Cubs have an .815 OPS against southpaws in 2023, fourth highest in the league. With a 1.004 OPS over 35 at-bats, Seiya Suzuki has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Cincinnati is 8-15 away from Great American Ball Park in 2023, scoring 4.1 runs per game while allowing 4.5 runs. Chicago has gone 13-13 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.5 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. In the last 10 meetings at Wrigley Field, Chicago is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 5.5-4.1.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Reds are fifth in the NL Central, six games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Cubs are third in the NL Central, four games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Chicago Cubs (-175)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
