The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds face off in the final game of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park on Sunday, May 25, 2025. The Cubs enter the matchup on a three-game winning streak, while the Reds look to bounce back and avoid a series sweep.
Game Details
- Date: Sunday, May 25, 2025
- Time: 1:40 PM ET
- Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH
- TV Broadcast: MLB Network, FDSOH, MARQ
Team Form & Key Matchups
Chicago Cubs (31-20, 1st in NL Central)
- Recent Performance: The Cubs have won eight of their last 10 games, maintaining their lead in the NL Central.
- Key Players:
- Pete Crow-Armstrong – 14 HR, 46 RBI, emerging as a power hitter
- Seiya Suzuki – .429 BA in last five games, providing offensive consistency
- Dansby Swanson – .342 BA in last 10 games, riding an eight-game hitting streak
- Strengths: Strong lineup depth, power hitting
- Concerns: Middle relief inconsistencies
Cincinnati Reds (25-27, 3rd in NL Central)
- Recent Performance: The Reds have lost three of their last four games, struggling against Chicago’s pitching.
- Key Players:
- Elly De La Cruz – 9 HR, 37 RBI, leading the team in power numbers
- TJ Friedl – .280 BA, providing steady offensive production
- Gavin Lux – .293 BA, emerging as a key contributor
- Strengths: Speed, aggressive baserunning
- Concerns: Pitching depth, struggles against elite starters
Starting Pitchers
Chicago Cubs – Ben Brown (3-3, 5.44 ERA, 1.55 WHIP)
- Last Start: 4.2 IP, 6 ER, 7 H vs. Miami
- Strengths: High strikeout rate (11.3 K/9)
- Concerns: Struggles with command, high ERA
Cincinnati Reds – Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.22 ERA, 1.06 WHIP)
- Last Start: 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 5 H vs. St. Louis
- Strengths: Solid fastball, effective against right-handed hitters
- Concerns: Occasional struggles with long innings
Tactical Breakdown
- Cubs’ Strategy: Chicago will look to capitalize on Lodolo’s weaknesses, relying on Crow-Armstrong and Suzuki to drive in runs.
- Reds’ Strategy: Cincinnati must get to Brown early, using De La Cruz and Friedl to generate power and put pressure on Chicago’s bullpen.
Game Odds
Chicago Cubs – 118
Cincinnati Reds 9
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, May 24, 2025
