The Cincinnati Reds (60-99) host the Chicago Cubs (73-86) at Great American Ball Park on Monday to open a three-game series.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Cubs have won 10 of 16 in the season series between the NL Central rivals, including an 8-1 victory in their most recent meeting on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Starter Marcus Stroman threw six scoreless innings – striking out seven – for the win.
ON THE MOUND
Hayden Wesneski (3-1, 2.33 ERA) is set for the start for Chicago. The RHP allowed one run over five innings in his last start, a 4-2 road win over the Phillies on Wednesday. He got the win, scattering six hits while striking out three and walking two. Wesneski has made one previous appearance against the Reds this season, a 9-3 home victory on September 6. He allowed two hits over five scoreless innings, striking out eight and walking one. RHP Hunter Greene (4-13, 4.91 ERA) will take the mound for Cincinnati. He has made two appearances against the Cubs this season, both starts, giving up eight runs over nine innings (1-1, 8.00) with 11 strikeouts and four walks.In his last start on Tuesday, Greene took a no-decision on the road against the Pirates. He threw six innings and gave up one run (0 ER) on four hits, striking out 10 and walking three in the 4-1 defeat.
AT THE PLATE
The Chicago offense is averaging 4.0 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .239/.311/.386. Ian Happ leads the team in OPS at .786. The center fielder is slashing .271/.343/.443 with 17 home runs, 72 RBIs, and 72 runs over 155 games. Against righties like Greene this season, the Cubs have a .694 OPS. Happ also is the team’s best performer against right-handers with a .784 OPS in 433 at-bats. Cincinnati is slashing .236/.304/.374 for the season and averaging 4.0 runs per game. Kyle Farmer leads the team with a .702 OPS. The third baseman has 14 home runs, 77 RBIs, and 58 runs scored with a slash line of .255/.314/.388. Cincinnati is averaging only 1.4 runs per game in the last five with their slash line dropping across the board (.172/.215/.258). The Reds have a .665 OPS against right-handers in 2022, fourth lowest in the league. With a .610 OPS over 374 at-bats, Farmer also has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Chicago is 36-42 on the road in 2022, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 4.9 runs. Cincinnati has gone 31-47 at home this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 5.2. In the last 10 meetings at Great American Ball Park, each club has won five, though Cincinnati has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 6.1-5.4.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Cubs are third in the NL Central, 20 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. The Reds are fourth in the NL Central, 32 games behind the Cardinals.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Cincinnati Reds (-125)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
