In the first of a three-game series between the Chicago Cubs (3-2) and the Cincinnati Reds (3-2) at Wrigley Field, Jon Lester (0-1, 6.23 ERA) and Mike Leake (0-0, 4.76 ERA) take the mound. The game gets underway at 8:05 p.m. ET on Monday, Apr. 13 and will air on FSN-OH and CSN-CHI+.
In his most recent outing, Lester pitched 4.1 innings, allowing three runs, striking out six and walking two in a 3-0 loss to the Cardinals. Dexter Fowler (.238 ) continued his strong start to the season yesterday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one home run, two RBIs, and one stolen base. In his career against the Cubs, Leake is 8-2 with a 3.01 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 68 strikeouts. Todd Frazier (.292 ) went 1 for 5 yesterday with two RBIs.
Chicago, a -155 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Cincinnati. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is presently unavailable. The Cubs are 1-1 as the favorite and have an overall money line of -10.
On the other side, the Reds have started off the season 2-0 when they’re the underdog and are +309 overall with the money line. Against divisional opponents, they are 4-1 SU and have an unblemished 2-0 record when they were an underdog to win. The Reds are known for their power, smashing nine home runs. The Reds have racked up 10 steals on the year, making them the most threatening base-running team in the league. The Reds are a problem for opposing batters, sporting a 2.87 ERA this season. They also average just 0.0 hits allowed per road game, best in the NL. They also have some of the most overpowering arms in baseball with an NL-high 10.0 strikeouts per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – CIN, O/U – Under
Notes
When leading after 7 innings, Chicago is 1-0, while Cincinnati is 1-1.
After a weak showing last week where they got in seven hits, the Cubs need to step it up. The Reds have a record of 2-0 when opponents get seven hits or fewer.
It looks like the Cubs have a slight leg up on the Reds, as the Cubs have won their last two games while the Reds have lost their last two.
Ranking 18th in home runs, Chicago has hit four this season. Cincinnati ranks third with nine home runs.
Chicago and Cincinnati both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Chicago sits at 14th with 6.00 hits per game and Cincinnati ranks 12th with 6.40.
Chicago and Cincinnati both rank in the bottom half of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Chicago sits at 19th with an OPS of .644 and Cincinnati ranks 17th with an OPS of .655.
When the Reds allow at least one home run, they are 3-2. When the Cubs allow one or more homers, they have a 1-1 record.
