Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Prediction 9-1-23 MLB Picks
The Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds meet Thursday in MLB doubleheader action from Great American Ball Park. These will be the first and second installments in a four-game weekend series. The Cubs are fresh off a series versus the Brewers, splitting the first pair. In the Wednesday rubber match Chicago eked out a one-run win to take the set. As for Cincinnati, they played the Giants in their last series. After losses in the first two games, in the finale the Reds powered out a three-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs took a 6-2 loss to the Brewers in the Monday opener of their last series, but then bounced back for a 1-0 win in game two. Chicago’s Cody Bellinger provided the lone RBI in that one. On Wednesday the Cubs broke a tie in the bottom of the eighth and held on for the 3-2 win. Bellinger, Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ each had an RBI in the victory.
In the game one start Chicago will send out Jordan Wicks. In his lone start this year (the first of his career) Wicks posted a win on 5.0 innings, one earned, two hits, one walk and nine Ks. As for game two the Cubs didn’t immediately announce a name.
Chicago Cubs Team Facts
- The Cubs have won seven of their last eight games against NL Central opponents following a home win.
- The Cubs have failed to cover the run line in eight of their last nine games as favorites following a win.
- The Cubs have led after 5 innings in each of their last six day games.
- The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Cubs' last 11 road games against National League opponents.
- The Cubs have led after 3 innings in each of their last four day games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
Cincinnati Reds
Over on the Reds’ side, they fell to the Giants 4-1 on Monday and 6-1 in the game two matchup. Cincinnati got a single RBI out of Spencer Steer, who also had the team’s only hit. On Wednesday the Reds were able to prevent the sweep with a 4-1 victory. Christian Encarnacion-Strand led the way on four hits, three RBI and a homer.
In game one as starter Cincinnati is sending out Graham Ashcraft. So far Ashcraft is 7-8 with a 4.73 ERA in 25 starts. He’s got 105 strikeouts over 140.2 innings. Ashcraft is 2-1 with a 2.68 ERA over his last seven starts. In the game two start the Reds didn’t immediately announce a name.
Cincinnati Reds Team Facts
- The Reds have lost eight of their last nine games against National League opponents following a road win.
- The Reds have failed to cover the run line in each of their last six games on the first leg of a doubleheader against National League opponents.
- The 'Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Reds' last four day games against National League opponents.
- The Reds have led after 7 innings in three of their last four games as home underdogs against National League opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Cincinnati Reds ranks 1st in the league for steals this season (157).
- The Cincinnati Reds ranks 3rd in the league for triples this season (29).
- The Chicago Cubs ranks 6th in the league for runs scored this season (668).
- The Chicago Cubs ranks T6th in the league for steals this season (112).
ANDREW’S FREE GAME 1 PICK
I might take a stab on the Reds here. We should have a pretty interesting starter matchup regardless. Ashcroft has eight earned runs over his last three starts in 20.2 total innings. He’s gone 1-1 in that trio. As for Wick, he got off to a great start August 26 versus Pittsburgh; we’ll see what he can do in his second outing. Should be a fun game.
ANDREW’S FREE GAME 2 PICK
I’ll probably go with the Cubs in this one. Chicago has been pretty erratic on the scoreboard lately however, so they’re going to have to get going early. The Cubs had 20 runs in two games versus the Pirates last weekend, then followed that up with a tepid six runs in three games of the Brewers series. The Reds should provide a few opportunities to score this weekend; Chicago just needs to take advantage.
