In the third of a four-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (8-9) and the Chicago Cubs (13-4) at the Great American Ball Park, Dan Straily (0-0, 2.70 ERA) and John Lackey (3-0, 3.66 ERA) get the start. The Cubs won the last game 8-1, and Chicago leads the series 2-0. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 23 and will air on CSCh and FSOH.
In his last start, Straily pitched 5.0 innings, allowing one run, striking out four and walking two in a 5-1 loss to the Rockies. Jay Bruce (.286, 8 Rs, 4 HRs, 15 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 3 yesterday. The Cubs were victorious the last time Lackey pitched. He pitched well, going 7.0 innings, giving up zero runs, striking out 11 and walking one in a 5-0 victory over the Cardinals. Dexter Fowler (.377, 15 Rs, 3 HRs, 12 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 5 yesterday with one run and one RBI.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Against teams in the NL Central, the Reds have a SU record of 6-1. Over their past 10 games, Cincinnati’s offense has been playing lights out, averaging 0.0 runs per game, well over their season average of 0.0. The most recent 10 game stretch for Cincinnati’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Cincinnati’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 7.2 strikeouts per game.
Against divisional opponents, the Cubs are 3-7 SU. The Cubs rank second in the NL in scoring, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Cubs average 5.0 walks per game, making them the most disciplined team in the NL. Chicago’s pitching staff and defense as a whole have been firing on all cylinders so far, averaging an NL-best 0.0 runs allowed per game. They have a WHIP of 0.916, best in the MLB.
In their previous five games this season, the Cubs have a 5-0 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
Cincinnati has won 44% (4-5) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Chicago has won all of its games (10-0) when taking a late lead.
The Cubs are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Reds have a 3-4 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 1-7. The Cubs have a 2-4 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 23rd in home runs, Cincinnati has hit 13 this season. Chicago ranks seventh with 22 home runs.
Ranking 22nd, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.62 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 13th with 8.44.
Ranking 23rd, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.678). Chicago ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .780.
When the Cubs allow at least one home run, they are 5-2. When the Reds allow one or more homers, they have a 6-9 record.
