Alfredo Simon (0-1, 12.15 ERA) and Jason Hammel (2-0, 1.00 ERA) start in the last of a four-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (9-9) and the Chicago Cubs (13-5) at the Great American Ball Park. The Reds won the last game 13-5, and Chicago leads the series 2-1. Action begins at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Apr. 24 and can be seen on WGN and FSOH.
Simon pitched 1.0 inning in his most recent start, surrendering four runs (one unearned) and striking out one in a 14-3 defeat to the Cardinals. Eugenio Suarez (.303, 14 Rs, 5 HRs, 14 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 4 with three runs, one home run, and four RBIs. Hammel went 6.0 innings, surrendering one run and striking out six in a 2-1 win over the Cardinals in his last outing. Dexter Fowler (.385, 17 Rs, 3 HRs, 13 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate for the Cubs, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one RBI, and one stolen base.
The odds for Cincinnati and Chicago are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. Within its division, Cincinnati has a record of 7-2 SU. The Reds have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Cincinnati’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Reds, who rank third in the NL in strikeouts per game with 7.1.
The Cubs are 4-8 against NL Central rivals. Offensively, they average 0.0 runs per game, which the best in the NL. Chicago is excellent at drawing walks with an NL-best 5.2 per game. Shifting to the pitching staff and defense, the Cubs allow just 0.0 runs per game, ranking them third in the NL. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Cubs are the best in the league with a WHIP of 0.990 for the season.
The Cubs have controlled the season series, 5-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC
Notes
For the second time this season, the Cubs registered at least two errors in a game.
The Reds managed to give up eight walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Cubs who are coming in with a 2-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 1-7. The Cubs have a 2-5 record when opponents outhit them.
Cincinnati ranks in the bottom half of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 17 this season. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 23.
Ranking 22nd, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.83 per game. Chicago ranks in the top half at 14th with 8.39.
Ranking 15th, Cincinnati is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.718). Chicago ranks in the top 10 at eighth with an OPS of .775.
The Cubs are 5-3 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Reds are 7-9 when they allow at least one homer.
