Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs, 7/8/2018 Prediction & Odds

Reds vs. Cubs Sunday Prediction

After splitting the first two games of their weekend series, the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs will play the rubber match on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Will Sunday's game turn high-scoring like Saturday's matchup?

Game Snapshot & Odds

957 Cincinnati Reds (+140) at 958 Chicago Cubs (-145)

Sunday, July 8, 2018

2:20 p.m. ET, Wrigley Field

TV: CIN (FSO); CHC (WGN)

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Public Betting Trends

Oddsmakers from online sportsbooks currently list the Cubs as a -145 favorite. As of this writing, 77% 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' Castillo sharp for six-plus innings in no-decision vs. White Sox

Luis Castillo worked 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball Monday in a no-decision against the White Sox. Cincinnati wound up winning the game 5-3 courtesy of a four-run rally in the bottom of the eighth inning. Castillo looked sharp while he was in there, scattering six hits and striking out six White Sox hitters while issuing zero walks. The 25-year-old right-hander will bring a 5-8 record, 5.53 ERA, and 1.38 WHIP into his next start on the road against the Cubs.

Cubs' Lester hits three-run home run in 11th victory of season

Jon Lester allowed four runs -- two earned -- over five innings Sunday in a win over the Twins. It wasn't the cleanest day on the mound for Lester, who gave up nine hits and three walks, but he made up for it at the plate, cranking a three-run homer in the bottom of the second that kicked off an eight-run frame for Chicago. It was just the second home run of his 13-year major league career. The veteran lefty will bring an 11-2 record and 2.25 ERA into his next start at home against the Reds.

MLB Betting Trends

Cincinnati

The Reds have won 14 of their last 19 games despite losing on Saturday.

Chicago

The Cubs are 7-1 in their last eight games overall.

Prediction:

The Cubs are 12-2 in Lester's last 14 starts versus the Reds, are 6-1 in his last seven home outings versus Cincinnati and are 11-4 in their last 15 games at Wrigley Field versus the Red Legs. I would love to take the dog in this spot given that this is a divisional game and Lester is probably due for a poor start. But the Cubs have been so profitable with Lester on the hill, winning 49 of his last 70 starts that I can't go away from the home favorite.

 

The Pick: Chicago Cubs -145