In the second of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (4-2) and the Cincinnati Reds (4-2) at Wrigley Field, Jake Arrieta (1-0, 0.00 ERA) and Anthony DeSclafani (0-0, 3.00 ERA) get the ball. The Cubs won the last game 7-6 and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Apr. 14 and will air on FSN-OH and CSN-CHI.
In his most recent outing, Arrieta pitched 0.0 inning, giving up zero runs in a 6-5 loss to the Rockies. Chris Coghlan (.375 ) continued his hot start yesterday, going 3 for 4 with two runs, one home run, and one RBI. In his pitching opportunities against the Cubs, DeSclafani is 0-0 with a 5.68 ERA, five strikeouts and one walk. Joey Votto (.345 ) has been hitting the ball well to start the season for the Reds, going 2 for 5 yesterday with one run.
Chicago is a -148 favorite in this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. When playing as the favorite, the Cubs have a 1-1 record and overall money line at +90. The Chicago pitching staff and defense is very good at home, only giving up 1.5 runs per game. An area where the Cubs are particularly strong is striking batters out, where they average 8.8 K’s per game.
Across the field, the Reds have a record of 2-1 when they are the underdog and are +209 overall with the money line. Against divisional opponents, they are 4-2 SU and have played well as the underdog with a 2-1 record. The Reds are known for their power, smashing nine home runs. Cincinnati is a terror on the base paths, with an MLB-best 11 stolen bases. The Reds are a problem for opposing batters, sporting an NL-low 0.00 ERA on the road this season. They also average just 0.0 hits allowed per road game, best in the NL. The Cincinnati pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 9.7 strikeouts per game.
So far this season, the Cubs are 1-0 against the Reds.
Predictions: SU Winner – CIN, O/U – Under
Notes
The Reds lost their last game by a one-run margin. In games decided by one run, the Cubs are 2-0. The Reds are 3-1 in close games this season.
When the Cubs play into extra innings, they have a 2-0 record. The Reds are 1-2 when their games exceed nine innings.
The Reds managed to give up five 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.
When they are outhit, the Cubs are 3-2. The Reds have a 2-1 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 17th in runs, Chicago has earned 25 this season. Cincinnati ranks 11th with 30 runs.
Both Chicago and Cincinnati are tied at 13th in walks with a total of 21 this season.
The Cubs are 3-0 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Reds are 4-2 when they hit at least one homer.
