The Cubs and Reds will make up a game that was rained out back in April as part of a day-night doubleheader to conclude the series between NL Central rivals. Chicago looks to continue its winnings ways against Cincinnati after taking seven of the first 10 games in the season series.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Cubs are spinning their wheels right now going 10-10 in their last 20 games following Monday’s series-opening 5-4 loss to the Reds. This would seemingly be a good opportunity for the Cubs to gain some ground on their closest pursuers for the second wild card spot, but they just can’t get out of their own way. Chicago’s pitching is strong but the offense just hasn’t been there. They rank in the bottom third in runs per game, average and OPS and have scored more than four runs in a game five times during their 20-game stretch with the under at 13-6-1 in that span.
With rumors swirling around the Reds as the trade deadline approaches, it was nice to see them get a win on Monday. Cincinnati hasn’t given the home fans much to cheer about this season as they try to stave off the Milwaukee Brewers for last place in the division in what’s been a disappointing showing. Despite Monday’s win, the Reds have faltered a bit at home recently, going 4-6 in their last 10 down 0.72 units. Overall the Reds have been decent on their own turf with a 24-20 mark, up 1.45 units on the moneyline.
PITCHING MATCHUP
Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.44 ERA) saw his scoreless innings streak come to an end at 22.1 after giving up a first inning run at Atlanta on Friday. He lasted 5.2 innings allowing four hits taking a no-decision. He’s been spectacular over his last three starts giving up just one earned run over 20 innings for a 0.45 ERA.
Hendricks whiffed seven Reds over five innings of one-run ball on June 13 getting a no-decision in a 4-2 Cubs win. He sports a 3.00 ERA over 18 innings in three lifetime starts against Cincy.
Mike Leake (7-5, 3.95 ERA) allowed one run on four hits over six innings in a 6-1 win over Cleveland on Friday and has strung together his two best outings in over two months. He’s given up just one run and seven hits with 12 strikeouts over 14 innings in his last two turns but has horrible numbers at Great American Ball Park with a 5.46 ERA and 1.60 WHIP in 10 starts. Leake has been mentioned in a number of trade rumors and he said he expects to be moved before the deadline. This could be his final start in a Reds uniform.
He’s 8-2 with a 3.28 ERA in 18 career starts against the Cubs.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“I’m eager to play for a winning team right now. It stinks that we had the season that we did. I wish it was a different story for us, but I’m definitely, if they are going to trade me, eager to pitch for a team that’s in it.” – Reds pitcher Mike Leake on trade rumors involving him
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
The Cubs continued their bullpen shuffle by adding Rafael Soriano to the major league roster on Monday. To make room for the right-hander with 207 career saves, the Cubs designated Edwin Jackson for assignment. Soriano signed a minor league deal with the Cubs in June and worked his way through the minors to build his arm strength and stamina. He pitched in seven games between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa before getting the call. Soriano saved 32 games for Washington in 2014 – though he had a 7.56 ERA in September – and racked up 40 or more saves three times, including in 2010 with Joe Maddon’s Tampa Bay Rays. Soriano pitched a scoreless eighth inning Monday and gives Maddon a plethora of options with Jason Motte, Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop, who have all been used as the primary closer during the season.
PROP TALK
Chicago’s Chris Coghlan is hitting only .249 this season, but that number would be considerably lower if he hadn’t played the Cincinnati Reds. Coghlan is hitting .361 with two home runs in 10 games against the Reds this season and he absolutely owns Mike Leake, who he hits .692 (9 for 13) against in his career with both home runs coming off him this season.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Cubs have clobbered Mike Leake for five home runs in 19 innings this season and that’s not likely to change. Leake has been horrible at Great American Ball Park with a 5.46 ERA and .302 opponent’s batting average in 10 starts and the Cubs have to be feeling good about their chances to have an offensive outburst. It gets better for the Cubs with Leake holding a 7.36 ERA and .370 opponent’s average in two day outings.
Chicago 7, 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 Wednesday, July 22, 2015, at 12:35 p.m. ET at Great American Ball Park.
