Jason Hammel (7-6, 3.42 ERA) and Raisel Iglesias (3-6, 3.92 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (74-56) and the Cincinnati Reds (54-76) at Wrigley Field. The Cubs won the last game 5-4 and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Sep. 2 and can be seen on CSCh.
Hammel pitched 5.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering three runs, striking out five and walking three in a 4-1 defeat to the Dodgers. Kris Bryant (.269, 73 Rs, 21 HRs, 82 RBIs, 12 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Iglesias went 7.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out 10 and walking two in a 5-0 defeat to the Brewers in his most recent start. Joey Votto (.315, 79 Rs, 26 HRs, 67 RBIs, 8 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Reds, going 2 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and two RBIs.
Chicago is a -157 favorite against Cincinnati and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is currently not available. The Cubs have recorded an overall money line of +632 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 54-32. Chicago is an impressive 5-2 as the favorite over its last 10 games. Chicago leads the whole NL in walks, earning an average of 3.4 per game. Turning to the pitchers, opposing offenses have been stifled by the Cubs, who have a team ERA of only 3.59. The Cubs are the fifth-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.20 so far this season.
In the other locker room, Cincinnati is coming in with an overall money line of -2,045 and a disappointing record of 26-53 as the underdog. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 2-5 record, and a 3-7 record SU. Offensively, the Reds have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 4.0 runs per game by averaging 5.0 during that stretch. The Reds are an excellent base-stealing team with an MLB-best 118 stolen bases. The Reds allow 4.5 runs per game, but have damaged those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 5.7 runs per game during that span. When it comes to preventing batters from getting hits, the Reds are fourth in the NL on the road with an average of 8.2 hits allowed per away game.
The Cubs lead the season series, 10-5. The Cubs have a 58-43 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Iglesias takes the mound. Hammel (RHP) will be on the hill against the Reds, who have a 42-57 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – ChC
Notes
The Reds lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Cubs are 28-17. The Reds are 17-26 in close games this season.
Cincinnati has won 38% (18-29) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Chicago has won 57% (29-22) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored zero runs in their last game, the Reds are going to have to up their game if they want to win this matchup. The Cubs have a 15-0 record in games where opponents scored that many runs.
When they outhit their opponents, the Reds are 42-16. The Cubs have a 47-8 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 24th, Cincinnati sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 518 this season. Chicago ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 533.
Ranking seventh, Cincinnati is in the top 10 of the league in walks, notching 408 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at third with 444.
The Cubs are 50-24 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Reds are 46-35 when they hit at least one homer.
