The Cincinnati Reds (21-29) and the Chicago Cubs (22-27) link up in the first contest of a three-game series on Friday afternoon. The Reds are in a slump, dropping six of their past eight outings. Meanwhile, Chicago has won two of its last three matchups. The Cubs are 18-6 in their last 24 during Game 1 of a series. The Over is 4-1 in the Reds’ last five overall. Hunter Greene (0-4, 4.68 ERA) is on the hill for Cincinnati. Justin Steele (6-1, 2.20 ERA) gets the nod for Chicago. The winds are blowing in at Wrigley Field this afternoon.
The first pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Chicago is the -150 favorite on the money line (risk $150 to win $100) in the latest Reds vs. Cubs odds from Caesars Sportsbook. The over/under for total runs scored is 6.5. Before making any Cubs vs. Reds picks, be sure to see the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. It went 331-285 on top-rated MLB money-line picks (+357) over the past two seasons. It has opened the 2023 MLB season on a 26-17 roll on all-top rated MLB picks (+379). Anybody who has followed it has seen profitable returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Cubs vs. Reds and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several MLB betting lines and trends for Reds vs. Cubs:
- Reds vs. Cubs money line: Cubs -150, Reds +126
- Reds vs. Cubs run line: Cubs -1.5 (+140)
- Reds vs. Cubs over/under: 6.5 runs
- CIN: Over is 8-1 in Reds’ last nine during Game 1 of a series
- CHC: Cubs are 18-3 in their last 21 Friday games
- Cubs vs. Reds picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game | Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
Why you should back the Cubs
Second baseman Nico Hoerner has been a solid hitter this season. The 26-year-old is currently leading the team in batting average (.295), RBI (24) and hits (52). In the May 24 contest against the New York Mets, Hoerner went 1-of-4 with a solo homer and two runs scored.
Third baseman Patrick Wisdom provides Chicago with a powerful slugger in the lineup. Wisdom owns great bat control and excels at being a stout run-producer. The 31-year-old is tied for 10th in the MLB in home runs (12) along with 23 RBI. In the April 4 matchup against the Cincinnati Reds, he went 3-of-5 with two doubles and three RBI. See which team to back here.
Why you should back the Reds
Third baseman Spencer Steer has been playing well recently for the Reds. Steer owns a quick, fluid and compact swing that sprays the ball across the diamond. The 25-year-old leads the team in home runs (6) with 22 RBI and a batting average of .278. He’s currently on an eight-game hitting streak. On May 24 against the St. Louis Cardinals, Steer went 4-of-5 with singles and two RBI.
Center fielder Nick Senzel is a patient hitter with a calm approach at the plate. Senzel has shown the ability to push the ball to any gap on the field. He’s batting .256 with four dingers and 21 RBI. Senzel has also recorded an RBI in three of his last four outings. In the May 23 contest against the Cardinals, he went 1-of-4 with a double and one run driven in. See which team to back here.
How to make Reds vs. Cubs picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 9.7 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all of the value. You can only get the model’s MLB picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Cubs vs. Reds, and which side has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has gone 26-17 on its top-rated MLB picks, and find out.