The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs will continue their very important four-game series on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. Both teams have far exceeded expectations this season, and they are now in a two-month battle for the NL Central crown.
Cincinnati came into Chicago and won the series opener by a score of 6-5 on Monday night to increase their division lead to five games. The Reds are now ten games over the .500 mark, and they are a team that is full of confidence.
The Cubs just recently went on an eight-game winning streak, and that got them back over the .500 mark and into the playoff race. Chicago has now dropped two straight games, but they made some acquisitions at the Trade Deadline.
On Tuesday night, the Cubs are the moneyline betting favorites at -165 over the Cincinnati Reds.
Reds Rolling on Offense
The Cincinnati Reds were able to put up six runs in the first three innings on Monday night, and this team has turned into a great offensive team. Cincinnati has been rolling on offense since mid-May, and they were able to do their damage without a home run in the series opener.
Jake Fraley leads the team with 15 home runs, but the Reds tend to get the job done the old-school way. Cincinnati can really run, and they put a ton of pressure on the defense when they get on base.
Pitching is still a bit of a concern for Cincinnati, and it will be Ben Lively making the start on Tuesday. Lively has gone 4-6 with a 3.76 ERA on the year, and he typically gives his team a chance when he starts.
Steele Set to Start For Cubs
Justin Steele will be on the mound for the Cubs on Tuesday night, and he has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season. Steele has gone 11-3 with a 2.87 ERA on the year, and the Cubs are typically getting a win when he takes the ball.
Chicago also got a dominant performance from the bullpen in the loss on Tuesday, and that unit has been trending in the right direction. The Cubs also made a couple of moves on Monday, and some new players will be joining the team.
Cody Bellinger just finished off a massive month of July, and he has enough experience to lead the team down the stretch. Dansby Swanson homered in the loss on Monday, and he is also heating up at the right time.
Cubs Bounce Back With Win
Monday night was a very tight and competitive game, and you can expect much of the same throughout this four-game series. Cincinnati was able to start the series off with a victory, but the Cubs will now have their ace on the mound in this one.
The Cubs do have plenty of pressure on them this week as they can’t afford to fall too far behind, and this veteran team is going to respond. Cincinnati will struggle to score against Steele, and it will allow the Cubs to get some separation.
Bet the Chicago Cubs at -165 on the moneyline as Justin Steele delivers again, and the Cubs bounce back with a big win.
