The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are set to face off in a National League Central showdown at Great American Ball Park. The Cubs enter the game as division leaders, while the Reds look to bounce back after dropping their last two games.
Game Overview
- Date: Friday, May 23, 2025
- Time: 6:40 PM ET
- Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
- Broadcast: ESPN, Bally Sports Ohio, Marquee Sports Network
Team Breakdown
Chicago Cubs (30-20, 1st in NL Central)
- Recent Performance: The Cubs have won five of their last six games, including back-to-back victories.
- Key Players:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong – Leads the Cubs with 12 home runs and a .553 slugging percentage.
- Seiya Suzuki – Has been hot at the plate, going 10-for-38 with three home runs and 11 RBIs over the last 10 games.
- Kyle Tucker – Provides power with 12 home runs and 35 RBIs this season.
Cincinnati Reds (25-26, 4th in NL Central)
- Recent Performance: The Reds are on a four-game home winning streak but have lost their last two games after a five-game win streak.
- Key Players:
- Elly De La Cruz – A dynamic player with eight home runs, eight doubles, and 16 stolen bases.
- Will Benson – Has been productive, going 12-for-30 with five home runs in his last 10 games.
- TJ Friedl – A consistent hitter with 49 hits and eight stolen bases this season.
Pitching Matchups
Chicago Cubs – Matthew Boyd (LHP, 4-2, 2.98 ERA)
- WHIP: 1.20
- Strikeouts per 9 innings: 9.3
- Last Start: 6 innings, 2 runs, 7 strikeouts vs. Marlins
- Career vs. Reds: Boyd has been effective against Cincinnati, limiting their offense in past matchups.
Cincinnati Reds – Hunter Greene (RHP, 4-2, 2.36 ERA)
- WHIP: 0.80
- Strikeouts per 9 innings: 12.0
- Last Start: Returning from a 15-day IL stint due to a groin strain
- Career vs. Cubs: 4-1 record, including six no-hit innings in 2023
Key Matchups & Storylines
1. Cubs’ Power vs. Reds’ Pitching
Chicago has a 17-2 record when hitting at least two home runs, making their power hitters crucial against Greene’s high-velocity pitching.
2. Hunter Greene’s Return
Greene is coming off an injury but has dominated the Cubs in past matchups. His pitch count may be monitored, potentially exposing the Reds’ bullpen.
3. Reds’ Home Field Advantage
Cincinnati has won four straight home games, making Great American Ball Park a tough environment for the Cubs.
4. Cubs’ Road Success
Chicago has been strong away from home, posting a 15-10 road record this season.
Prediction & X-Factors
- Likely Outcome: A close, competitive game with both teams relying on their starting pitchers.
- X-Factors:
- Greene’s Pitch Count – If he’s limited, the Cubs could capitalize late.
- Crow-Armstrong’s Power – His ability to drive in runs could be a difference-maker.
- De La Cruz’s Speed – His baserunning could disrupt Chicago’s defense.
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs – 115
Cincinnati Reds 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 22, 2025
