Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds 9/30/22

Free MLB Picks Today: Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds 9/30/22
Fri 30th September 2022

The Cincinnati Reds (60-96) are on the road to face the Chicago Cubs (70-86) at Wrigley Field on Friday to open a three-game series. The Reds are in the midst of a six-game road trip. They were just swept in three games against the Pirates, dropping the finale 4-3 on Wednesday at PNC Park. Kyle Farmer was 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs. The Cubs are in the midst of a six-game homestand. They are coming off a three-game sweep of the Phillies, taking the finale 2-0 on Thursday at Wrigley Field for their fourth straight win. Patrick Wisdom went 2 for 3 with two doubles and one RBI. Seiya Suzuki added a triple and two runs.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Cubs have won seven of 13 in the season series between the NL Central rivals, although they dropped a close one 4-3 in their last meeting on September 8 at Wrigley Field. Reliever Alexis Diaz was credited with the win after throwing 1.2 innings, and Ian Gibaut picked up his first save of the season with a scoreless ninth.

ON THE MOUND

Graham Ashcraft (5-4, 4.18 ERA) is slated to take the mound for Cincinnati. The righty allowed four runs over four innings in his last start, a 10-2 road defeat against the Brewers on Saturday. He took the loss, scattering eight hits while striking out two. Over two previous starts against the Cubs this season, Ashcraft has allowed 10 earned runs over 8.2 innings (0-2, 10.38). He has struck out five and walked five. Southpaw Wade Miley (1-2, 3.34 ERA) gets the ball for Chicago. He has made one prior start against the Reds this season, giving up three runs (2 ER) over four innings in a 9-3 home win on September 6. He gave up two hits and walked two, while striking out six in the no-decision. In his last start on Saturday, Miley took the loss on the road against the Pirates. He threw four innings and gave up three runs (1 ER) on three hits, striking out three and walking one in the 6-0 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

The Cincinnati offense is averaging 4.1 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .237/.305/.376. Farmer leads the team in OPS at .706. The third baseman is slashing .255/.315/.390 with 14 home runs, 76 RBIs, and 58 runs over 139 games. Over the last five games, though, Cincinnati has averaged only 2.2 runs a game while performing worse across the board (.178/.237/.299). Against southpaws like Miley this season, the Reds have a .716 OPS. Farmer also is the team’s most productive hitter against left-handers with a .934 OPS in 137 at-bats. Chicago is slashing .239/.310/.386 for the season and averaging 4.0 runs per game. Ian Happ leads the team with a .784 OPS. The center fielder has 17 home runs, 71 RBIs, and 70 runs scored with a slash line of .270/.340/.445. The Cubs have a .695 OPS against righties in 2022. With a .779 OPS over 429 at-bats, Happ also has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Cincinnati is on a three-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 29-49 in 2022. The Reds have scored 3.6 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.9 runs. Chicago has won three in a row at their home park. The Cubs are 34-44 at home this season, averaging 3.9 runs per game while surrendering 4.4. In the last 10 meetings at Wrigley Field, each club has won five, though Chicago has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 5.4-4.4.

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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