Sharing a division with the two best teams in the league, the Chicago Cubs (48-41, $220) need a big push if they are to make an unlikely run at the Pirates and Cardinals. To stay in the hunt, they need to take advantage of their games against under-.500 squads, like Tuesday’s game two of four against the Cincinnati Reds (40-48, -$978).
ODDS ANALYSIS
Before Sunday’s rain interrupted their game against the Indians, the Reds had dropped three of their last four games. The teams have already met nine times this year with the Cubs having a good deal of success, taking seven of those match ups.
Of course, Chicago hasn’t had that much recent success itself dropping four of their last six games. While it is always best to rediscover your winning ways at home, the Cubs haven‘t been that bad on the road in going 23-21.
The Reds, meanwhile, have been much better at home than away with a 23-19 home record.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The pitching matchup on Tuesday is an interesting one with the Cubs sending a veteran to the hill in Jason Hammel against a talented youngster in Raisel Iglesias.
Hammel has been well traveled, but has never found as much success as he has in Chicago. This year he is 5-4 with a 2.86 ERA and 0.945 WHIP. He’s been one of the team’s best and most consistent pitchers.
The 32-year old right-hander last faced the Reds back on June 12. He allowed just two earned runs in the game, but Cincinnati plated four total in his five innings as he struggled to put the Reds’ hitters away.
Hammel lasted just one inning in his last start as a result of a hamstring strain. The Cubs were forced to piece together the rest of the game, but it looks like the injury wasn’t serious and the All-Star break came at a good time for the righty.
Iglesias, on the other hand, is a 25-year old rookie from Cuba. The righty has been inconsistent in his seven big league appearances—five starts—going 1-2 with a 5.90 ERA and 1.517 WHIP in 29 innings.
The rookie has the stuff to dominate as evidenced by his 27 strikeouts, but’s struggled with command and control, particularly in the zone.
At Triple-A Louisville, Iglesias was been a bit more consistent, but even there his 3.41 ERA pales in comparison to Hammel’s ERA in the majors this year.
LIVE/SITUATIONAL BETTING
Between Joey Votto, Todd Frazier, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, the team has plenty of ability at the plate to match up with anyone. Despite that, they find themselves tied with the Cubs with 341 runs scored (#23).
For the Reds’ the team’s only real weak spot is centerfield where Billy Hamilton’s speed is game changing, but his OBP (.266) is depressing.
While the Cubs don’t have the proven offensive performers that the Reds have, they have far more young talent.
Anthony Rizzo (.950 OPS) and Kris Bryant (.835 OPS) each made the All-Star team and form a solid core. The team still needs a solid lefty bat, however. Dexter Fowler has been inconsistent at best atop the order (.231 average) and Chris Coghlan (.748 OPS) is arguably the team’s next best bat after the two sluggers.
Jorge Soler is back in the fold after injury and should pick things up. Kyle Schwarber also got recalled and he has been raking all year. In eight major league games, he’s hitting .407.
PROP TALK
Nobody has that many at bats against either starter, but Jay Bruce, Joey Votto and Todd Frazier each have a home run against Hammel in their careers.
Bruce is also 3 for 10 in his career, while Marlon Byrd (4 for 12) and Brandon Phillips (4 for 11) have each collected a team leading four hits against the veteran righty.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Cincinnati has a good collection of players, but as a team, has been lackluster at best. While the Reds’ offense should be able to keep up with the Cubs, their pitching in this one is lacking.
Hammel has the clear edge over Iglesias and the Cubs’ bullpen widens that gap with a 3.15 ERA compared to a 4.22 ERA with the Reds. Cincinnati has few answers after their starters other than closer Aroldis Chapman.
Chicago 5, Cincinnati 3
The MLB lines for this contest will first be released by BookMaker Sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, player props and inning totals. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! The ballgame pitting the Chicago Cubs versus the Cincinnati Reds will commence Tuesday, July 21, 2015, at 7:10 p.m. ET at Great American Ballpark. You can watch the contest live on the MLB Network.
