In the second of a two-game series between the Cincinnati Reds (8-9) and the Chicago Cubs (8-9) at the Great American Ball Park, Jason Marquis (1-1, 7.20 ERA) and Travis Wood (1-1, 3.24 ERA) take the mound. The Cubs won the last game 7-3 and Chicago leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Apr. 26 and will air on WGN and FSN-OH.
Marquis is 4-8 with a 4.36 ERA and 1.51 WHIP against the Cubs in his career. In his pitching opportunities against the Reds, Wood is 3-5 with a 2.69 ERA. He gets a struggling Cincinnati offense that’s batting just .221. Anthony Rizzo (.345, 13 Rs, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 4 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Cubs, going 3 for 4 Friday with two runs, one home run, two RBIs, and one stolen base.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is set at eight runs. The Reds have an SU record of 8-9 against teams in their division. They have been a terror on the base paths, leading all of baseball with 20 steals. Turning to the pitching staff, they have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, averaging 8.5 strikeouts per game.
Against divisional opponents, the Cubs are 6-4 SU. The Cubs rank second in the NL in scoring, averaging 4.6 runs per game. The Cubs have racked up 18 steals on the year, making them one of the most threatening base-running teams in the league. Playing against NL Central foes really brings the best out of the Chicago pitchers. They allow 3.4 runs per game against teams within their division, which is lower than their season average of 4.1. The Chicago pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 8.9 strikeouts per game.
In their previous four games this season, the Cubs have a 3-1 record. The right-handed Marquis will take the mound against the Cubs, who have an 8-5 record against righty starters this season.
Predictions: SU Winner – CHC, O/U – Over
Notes
Cincinnati has won 43% (3-4) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Chicago has won 62% (5-3) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Reds are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 14 strikeouts. The Cubs have a record of 2-0 when they are struck out that many times or more.
The Reds and the Cubs are both 3-6 when they are outhit.
Ranking 14th in home runs, Chicago has hit 15 this season. Cincinnati ranks sixth with 19 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Cincinnati is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.53 per game. Chicago ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 8.50.
Ranking 25th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.641). Chicago ranks in the top half at 11th with an OPS of .713.
The Cubs are 4-5 when they allow at least one home run. The Reds perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 6-8 record.
