MLB Game Preview: Cincinnati Reds (60-54) vs. Chicago Cubs (65-48)

Game Overview

• Time: 2:20 PM ET / 11:20 AM PT
• Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
• Broadcast: Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network, Fubo (regional restrictions)
  This is the series finale of a three-game NL Central clash. The season series is tied 4–4, and the Reds are riding a three-game road win streak, while the Cubs aim to avoid a sweep at home.

Pitching Matchup

• Andrew Abbott has dominated the Cubs this season, allowing just 1 earned run over 12.2 innings in two starts. He’s a strikeout artist with elite control.
• Cade Horton, a rising rookie, has posted three straight scoreless starts and is averaging 5.2 innings per outing. He’s looking for his fourth quality start.

Team Performance Snapshot
Chicago Cubs

• Record: 65–48 (2nd in NL Central)
• Home Record: 35–22
• Batting Average: .254 (4th in MLB)
• Slugging %: .439 (2nd)
• Home Runs: 161 (4th)
• Runs Scored: 581 (2nd)
  
• Cincinnati Reds
• Record: 60–54 (3rd in NL Central)
• Road Record: 27–28
• Batting Average: .246 (10th)
• Slugging %: .392 (20th)
• Home Runs: 116 (21st)
• Runs Scored: 515 (10th)

Players to Watch
Chicago Cubs

• Kyle Tucker: 21 doubles, 4 triples, 18 HR
• Pete Crow-Armstrong: 6 doubles, 4 RBIs in last 10 games
• Matt Shaw: Solo HR in Monday’s loss
  Cincinnati Reds
• Spencer Steer: 15 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 50 RBIs
• Tyler Stephenson: 2 HR, 1 double in last 10 games
• Elly De La Cruz: 19 HR, 30 SB, .843 OPS

Betting Trends

• Cubs ATS: 54–58
• Reds ATS: 59–51
• Cubs are 15–3 when favored by -186 or more
• Reds are 45–23 when recording 8+ hits
• Under has hit in 4 of last 5 Reds–Cubs games

Injury Report
Chicago Cubs

• Mike Soroka (shoulder) – day-to-day
• Miguel Amaya, Javier Assad, Justin Steele – 60-day IL
• Jameson Taillon – 15-day IL
  Cincinnati Reds
• Nick Lodolo (finger), Hunter Greene (groin) – 15-day IL
• Wade Miley, Carson Spiers, Brandon Williamson – 60-day IL
• Ian Gibaut – 15-day IL

Final Thoughts
The Reds vs. Cubs matchup at Wrigley Field is a pivotal NL Central battle. With Andrew Abbott’s dominance and the Cubs’ recent offensive struggles, Cincinnati has a real shot at completing the sweep. Expect a tight, low-scoring affair with playoff implications on the line.