Jon Lester (1-0, 1.29 ERA) and the Chicago Cubs (5-1) meet Brandon Finnegan (0-0, 3.00 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (5-1) in the first of a three-game division series at Wrigley Field. The game gets underway at 8:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Apr. 11 and will air on WGN and FSOH.
In his most recent outing, Lester pitched 7.0 innings, giving up one run and striking out four in a 6-1 victory over the Angels. The Reds were victorious over the Phillies 3-2 the last time Finnegan pitched. He went 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out nine and walking one. Eugenio Suarez (.435 ) has been doing well to start the season for the Reds, going 3 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Cubs have the most prolific offense in the entire NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs rank third in the NL in hits with 10.2 per game. They have been very patient at the plate, ranking second in the NL with an average of 5.2 walks per game. Transitioning to the pitching staff, the Cubs don’t allow many hitters to get on base, leading the league with a 0.783 WHIP.
The Reds have racked up four steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Cincinnati has won 67% (2-1) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won all of its games (5-0) when taking a late lead.
The Reds managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cubs who are heading in with a 2-0 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
Neither the Cubs (5-0) nor the Reds (3-0) have lost a game when they outhit opponents.
Ranking ninth, Cincinnati sits in the top 10 of the league in runs, scoring 31 this season. Chicago ranks in the top five at second with 42.
Chicago ranks at the top of the league when it comes to walks with 31 this season. Cincinnati ranks in the top half at 11th with 20.
The Cubs are 4-0 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Reds are 4-1 when they hit at least one homer.
