Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs 8/24/18, Prediction & Odds

Reds vs. Cubs Prediction

The Chicago Cubs eased to a victory over the visiting Cincinnati Reds in yesterday's series opener. With the wind blowing out to left field today at Wrigley Field, is the over bet the smartest wager on the board?

Game Snapshot

951 Cincinnati Reds at 952 Chicago Cubs

Friday, August 24, 2018

Wrigley Field at 2:20PM ET

TV: MLB Network

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Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers at BetNow, the Cubs are a -170 favorite to win on the moneyline. The Reds are a +160 underdog, while the total is set at 12.5 runs. As of Friday morning, 73 percent of public bets are pouring in on host Chicago. Check out our MLB Public Betting Page for the latest info.

Hamels, Baez lead Cubs to win

Cole Hamels threw a complete game Thursday night in a 7-1 home triump over Cincinnati as he gave up one earned run on eight hits with seven strikeouts and two walks. Daniel Murphy finished 2-for-5 with a run from the leadoff spot. Javier Baez was 3-for-5 with a solo home run, a double and three runs scored. Anthony Rizzo was 2-for-3 with a home run, a walk, two runs and three RBIs. Ben Zobrist ended the night 2-for-4 with a run and an RBI. Victor Caratini was 2-for-4 with two RBIs. .

Hamilton, Ervin record two hits each

Reds leadoff hitter Billy Hamilton finished 2-for-4 with a double and a run in yesterday's loss. Jose Peraza was 2-for-4 with a stolen base. Scooter Gennett went 1-for-3 with a walk. Patrick Ervin ended the game 2-for-4 with a stolen base and an RBI. Anthony DeSclafani took the loss as he surrendered five runs (Four earned) on eight hits with five strikeouts and one walk over six innings.

Matt Harvey (6-7, 4.91 ERA) is the projected starter for the Reds today, although a potential trade with Milwaukee could put that in doubt. Alec Mills (0-0, 0.00) draws the start for Chicago.

MLB Betting Trends

Cincinnati

The under is 6-2 in the last eight Reds games overall. The under is 7-3 in the last 10 Cincinnati road games.

Chicago

The over is 11-4 in the last 15 meetings in Chicago. The Cubs are 26-10 in the last 36 meetings versus the Reds in Chicago.

Prediction: 

The wind is blowing 16 miles per hour to left and Chicago is giving a raw rookie his MLB debut. Whether Harvey starts or someone else, the pitching situation for Cincinnati isn't in very good shape. Expect a lot of home runs and as long as people are on base when they happen, this should turn into a shootout.

 

MLB DAILY PREDICTION: REDS/CUBS OVER 12.5