Cincinnati Reds (76-84) vs. Chicago Cubs (82-78)
As the MLB season heads into its final stretch, the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs gear up for an intriguing matchup this Saturday at Oracle Park. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, with the Reds posting a 76-84 record and the Cubs slightly better at 82-78. Fans and bettors alike are turning their eyes towards this game for the action and the MLB betting picks, as the outcomes here could influence playoff implications.
The Cincinnati Reds have a team batting average of .232 with an on-base percentage of .306 and slugging percentage of .392. Such numbers paint a picture of a team with a problem with the offense in terms of getting base runners and scoring them when the opportunity arises. Their power hitting, with 174 home runs, is quite decent, though it hasn’t brought them several wins that should be a routine by now. The pitching staff has a 4.14 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP, meaning they could contain opponents but failed to overpower them on the mound.
On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs achieved a more impressive batting average of .243 and a better on-base percentage of .318/.396. The bats of the Cubs have managed to make better contact with the ball. They’ve scored similar home runs (170) though one bit ahead in terms of runs batted in at 732 compared to the Reds’ 696. An even better era of 3.84 for their pitching staff indicates a better capability to control the opposition’s hitters. These factors have resulted in a winning record and have kept the Cubs competitive as the regular season draws close.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 2:20 PM ET |
| Where: | Oracle Park |
| TV: | ESP+, MARQ |
| Stream: | MLB.TV |
Rhett Lowder (2-2 W-L, 1.4 ERA) vs. Kyle Hendricks (4-12 W-L, 6.28 ERA)
In his few appearances of the season, Rhett Lowder has quickly emerged as a pitcher on the rise with a 1.4 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP in 25.2 innings pitched. Although a keen eye may appreciate a .500 record, there is an exceptional tendency to keep hits and runs down. Lowder possesses an especially accurate throwing technique and has pitched 21 strikeouts recently. In the latest performance, however, he did lack in that area to some extent as this was his first action in the major league. This is something to watch in this matchup.
In opposition, Kyle Hendricks has struggled all season holding a 4-12 win/loss ratio alongside 6.28 era in 123.1 innings. Again, a WHIP of 1.51 and out of 145 hits allowed, there were 21 home runs surrendered indicating weaknesses in pitching command and giving up a few big innings. He cannot afford to waste chances like this. He will be able to cope with the only thing one can say reasonably about it – a very aesthetic attitude against quite an offensive team.
MLB Odds/Point Spread: Chicago Cubs -130, Total Odds: 7.5
The betting odds favor the Cubs slightly, reflecting their slightly better season performance and home-field advantage. However, the game’s total is set at 7.5, which seems to align with both teams’ recent trends of lower-scoring games, particularly with Lowder’s low ERA and Hendricks’ potential for a bounce-back.
Cincinnati Reds Betting Trends
The Reds have seen the total go UNDER in each of their last five games, highlighting their struggles at the plate and the effectiveness of their pitching staff. They are 1-4 SU in their last five games but have a favorable 6-3 SU record in their last nine games against the Cubs, suggesting a psychological edge in this specific matchup.
Chicago Cubs Betting Trends
The Cubs’ recent games have also trended towards the UNDER, with four of their last five home games falling below the total runs line. This trend aligns with their solid pitching performances and some offensive inconsistencies. At home against the Reds, the OVER has been hit in nine of the last twelve encounters, indicating that historical matchups at Oracle Park have typically been higher scoring.
Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs 9/28/24 Betting Picks
Considering the pitching matchup and recent form, this game could very well hinge on whether Hendricks can manage a quality start. Given Lowder’s solid stats but limited exposure, there’s potential for an upset by the Reds. However, the safer bet might lean towards the Cubs due to their overall better team performance and home advantage.
For those looking to enhance their betting experience, checking out the best bookie software can provide additional insights and tools to make informed bets. As for prop bets, considering an UNDER on total runs could be wise given both teams’ recent form, with a possible bet on Lowder striking out over his season average given the stakes of the game.
