Reds vs. Cubs Friday Prediction
The Cincinnati Reds and the surging Chicago Cubs open a new series this weekend at Wrigley Field. Will the Reds pull off the upset in Game 1 of the series Friday afternoon at 2:20 p.m. ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
951 Cincinnati Reds (+135) at 952 Chicago Cubs (-150)
Friday, July 6, 2018
2:20 p.m. ET, Wrigley Field
TV: CIN (FSO); CHC (CSNC)
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Public Betting Trends
Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Cubs as a -150 favorite. As of this writing, 76% of the betting tickets wagered at online sportsbooks are on the Cubs to beat the Reds on the moneyline. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our MLB Public Betting Page for updated figures on this game.
Reds’ Mahle strikes out 12, allows three runs while beating Brewers
Tyler Mahle struck out 12 batters and allowed three runs (one earned) in 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision effort against the Brewers on Saturday. He served up a solo homer to Eric Thames in the first inning but settled down from there. He rattled off several scoreless innings before giving up a pair of unearned runs in his final stanza. Twelve of the 17 outs he recorded came via the punchout, helping the Reds set a new franchise record with 18 strikeouts in a nine-inning game. Mahle is piecing together a strong rookie season with a 6-6 record and 3.83 ERA in 17 starts so far. He has 93 strikeouts in 91 2/3 innings. His one flaw is the longball — he’s allowed 16 of them already.
Cubs’ Montgomery strikes out five in win over Twins
Mike Montgomery wasn’t at his best on Friday, but still managed to earn his third victory of the season, giving up five runs (three earned) on seven hits over his five frames. Montgomery punched out five on the afternoon while walking three. Joe Mauer was responsible for all of the damage against him, blasting a three-run homer in the second inning and adding on a two-run double in the fourth. He now owns a 3.55 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 45/22 K/BB ratio across his 66 innings. He’ll draw a nice matchup his next time out, taking on the Reds at home on Friday.
MLB Betting Trends
Cincinnati
The Reds have won nine of their last 12 games coming off a win.
Chicago
The Cubs are 5-0 in their last five games versus a team with a losing record.
Prediction:
I like the Reds in this spot. They’re 4-0 in their last four games against the Cubs, have won four of their last five games overall, and are 7-2 in their last nine games against the rest of the National League Central. They’re also 6-1 in Mahle’s last seven starts, have won five of his last seven on the road and are 4-0 in his last five outings when he’s coming off five days of rest.
The Pick: Cincinnati Reds +135