The Cincinnati Reds (54-80) and Chicago Cubs (57-79) have split the first 2 games of their series and will settle things on Thursday at 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Reds vs. Cubs odds with MLB picks and predictions.
Season series: Cubs lead 7-5
The Reds have alternated wins and losses in their last 8 games. After they were perhaps the worst team in the league for half a season, they are now 26-26 in their last 52 contests.
The Cubs have been scuffling lately and Wednesday’s loss was their 8th in their last 10 games.
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Reds at Cubs projected starters
RHP Luis Cessa vs. RHP Adrian Sampson
Cessa (3-2, 5.18 ERA) makes his 41st appearance (5th start). He has a 1.42 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 6.7 K/9 in 48 2/3 IP.
After being mostly ineffective in a relief role, the Reds are stretching him out as a starter; his 69 pitches and 5 IP last time out were season-highs He has been HR-prone throughout the season (1.8 HR/9) and has allowed 4 homers in just 12 IP as a starter.Sampson (1-5, 3.95 ERA) makes his 16th appearance and 14th start. He has a 1.33 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 6.9 K/9 in 70 2/3 IP.
Prior to this season he was sporting an unsightly 2.2 HR/9 in 188 1/3 career IP, but has held HRs in check in 2022 with a 0.9 HR/9 The sample is pretty small, but Sampson hasn’t been all that effective at home. In 38 IP at Wrigley Field, he has allowed 6 HR while registering a 4.50 ERA and 4.7 K/9.Reds at Cubs odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:21 a.m. ET.
Money line (ML): Reds +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Cubs -145 (bet $145 to win $100) Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Reds +1.5 (-175) | Cubs -1.5 (+140) Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Reds at Cubs picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 6, Reds 4
Money line
Cessa hasn’t been good at all in short stints this season and can’t be expected to find much success as a starter. He isn’t likely to work very deep into the game either, regardless of how he’s pitching, and he’ll turn things over to a bullpen with a league-worst 4.78 ERA. Back the CUBS -145.
Run line/Against the spread
While Sampson hasn’t been great at home, he has had a pretty solid season overall and gets a Cincinnati team averaging 3.56 runs per game on the road, tied for 26th in the league. He should get a fair amount of run support today and his team could roll in this one. Take the CUBS -1.5 (+140).
Over/Under
The Cub offense looks set for a pretty good day against Cessa and a weak Cincinnati bullpen. The Reds aren’t likely to get completely shut down by Sampson, either. Lock in OVER 8.5 (+100), which should hit with room to spare.
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