The Chicago Cubs, holding an 88-66 record and standing second in the NL Central, are set to take on the Cincinnati Reds. While the Cubs have encountered a recent dip with two consecutive losses, they have managed a solid 7-3 record over their last ten games. This game will be another opportunity for Manager Craig Counsell’s team to regain momentum at the Great American Ball Park.
On the other side, the Cincinnati Reds, currently ranked third in the same division with a 78-76 record, are experiencing a positive swing with a three-game winning streak. Under the guidance of Manager Terry Francona, the Reds have secured a 6-4 performance over their last ten games. With a home record of 42-34, the Reds will look to capitalize on their recent success against the Cubs.
The teams last played on September 19th, where the Reds triumphed with a 7-4 victory. Spencer Steer was a standout performer, hitting two home runs for the Reds, while Nick Lodolo navigated through 4 2/3 innings on the mound. As the Cubs aim to reverse their fortunes, fans can catch the game broadcasted on MARQ at 6:40 PM.
Reds vs Cubs At a Glance
- Game Details: Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds, Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 6:40 PM
- Records: Cubs are 88-66 (2nd in NL Central); Reds are 78-76 (3rd in NL Central)
- Stadium: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH
- Weather: Overcast Clouds, warm and calm conditions expected
- Broadcast: Watch on MARQ
- Odds: Cubs Moneyline -112; Reds Moneyline -106; Total 9.0
Reds Ready to Take On Cubs in Cincinnati Showdown
Chicago Cubs: Offensive Overview
The Chicago Cubs enter this game with an offense that has been fairly average in the league. With a batting average of .245, they rank 11th, and their on-base percentage mirrors this at .315, also ranked 11th. Their slugging percentage of .392 places them 18th, indicating a team that can struggle to find power at times.
The Cubs have managed to hit 158 home runs this season, placing them 16th in the league. Their 240 doubles rank them 15th, showing some capability to hit for extra bases. However, they have shown a tendency to strike out, with 1,339 strikeouts placing them 22nd in the league.
Key Players to Watch
Javier Assad will be starting on the mound for the Cubs. Assad has posted a 4.23 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP, with a 3-1 win-loss record. His performance will be pivotal in controlling the Reds’ hitters.
Offensively, the Cubs will look to their key players to generate runs. While the specific lineup is not available, their success could hinge on their ability to capitalize on opportunities created by their middle-of-the-order hitters.
Pitching Staff Performance
Chicago’s pitching staff holds a 3.94 ERA, ranking them 14th in the league, suggesting a solid but not overpowering rotation. They have been adept at limiting batting averages against them, with a .236 mark placing them 7th. This could be critical in a game where every run will count.
The Cubs’ pitchers have allowed 185 home runs, ranking 17th, which indicates a potential vulnerability to the long ball. With 67 quality starts, they rank 3rd, showcasing the ability of their starters to go deep into games and provide stability.
Chicago Cubs Betting Trends
- Straight Up (SU) as Favorite: 35-32 (52.2%)
- SU as Underdog: 43-44 (49.4%)
- SU in Night Games: 43-52 (45.3%)
- Runline as Underdog: 53-34 (60.9%)
- O/U in Away Games: 32-46 (41.0%)
The Cubs will aim to exploit their strengths in quality starts and maintain pressure on the Reds through effective pitching. Despite their middling offense, the Cubs’ ability to keep games close may serve them well in this matchup against Cincinnati.
Chicago Cubs to Challenge Cincinnati Reds: Key Insights and Predictions
Cincinnati Reds Team Overview
The Cincinnati Reds currently hold a solid standing with their pitching staff, especially with Zack Littell starting. Littell enters this game with a 3.86 ERA, showcasing his ability to limit damage against opponents.
Offensively, the Reds have been effective, as highlighted by their recent 7-4 victory over the Cubs where they hit a season-high five home runs. Their batting lineup has shown power, providing a formidable challenge for opposing pitchers.
Key Reds Players to Watch
Spencer Steer has been a standout performer for the Reds, hitting multiple home runs in recent games. His ability to change the momentum with the long ball makes him a critical player for the Reds’ offensive success.
Another player to keep an eye on is Miguel Andujar, who contributed to the Reds’ home run tally against the Cubs. His contributions add depth to the Reds’ lineup, making them a potent threat.
Reds Pitching Analysis
Zack Littell has been reliable on the mound with a WHIP of 1.11, indicating his control and efficiency. Littell’s ability to keep runners off base will be crucial in this game against a Cubs lineup looking to bounce back.
The Reds’ bullpen has also provided strong support, limiting the damage in tight situations. Their performance will be pivotal in maintaining any lead the Reds can build early in the game.
Team Betting Trends
- Reds are 9-8 in games started by Zack Littell this season.
- In their last 5 games, the Reds have hit the Over in 60% of them.
- Cincinnati has performed well at home with a winning record above .500.
- Reds have shown strength in close games, posting a strong record in 1-run games.
Reds Offense and Defensive Strength
The Reds’ ability to hit home runs has been a defining factor in their recent success. Their lineup depth allows them to remain competitive in high-scoring games.
Defensively, Cincinnati has effectively managed to control base runners with strong fielding and pitching strategies. This defensive prowess will be tested against a Cubs team eager to regain momentum.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati Reds are set to present a formidable challenge to the Cubs, especially with their recent offensive surge. The matchup between Littell and the Cubs’ hitters will be a focal point in determining the game’s outcome.
With both teams having their strengths and weaknesses, this game promises to be an intriguing battle. Fans can expect a competitive outing with potential playoff implications as the season progresses.
Reds vs Cubs Prediction: Under 9.0
The Great American Ball Park is set to host the upcoming game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. With the Cubs holding a record of 88-66 and the Reds at 78-76, this game provides an intriguing matchup between two division rivals. However, both teams have shown trends toward lower-scoring games recently.
Analyzing the head-to-head record, the last ten games between these two teams have gone under the total six times. In fact, their encounters this season have frequently resulted in lower scores, with an average margin of victory being quite narrow. This consistent pattern suggests a continuation of closely contested, low-scoring games.
Starting pitchers Javier Assad for the Cubs and Zack Littell for the Reds are likely to contribute to another low-scoring affair. Littell’s ERA of 3.86 and Assad’s ERA of 4.23 reflect solid performances, and both pitchers have the potential to limit runs effectively. Additionally, the Reds’ bullpen has been reliable, securing leads in recent games.
The weather forecast predicts overcast clouds, which could further dampen the chances of high-scoring innings. Given the trends and pitching matchups, the game is projected to lean towards an ‘Under’ of the 9.0 total. A predicted final score might be Cincinnati Reds 4 – Chicago Cubs 3.
- Reds vs Cubs Prediction: Under 9.0
- Reds vs Cubs Score: Reds 4 – Cubs 3
