Cubs vs. Reds Game 2 prediction and odds for Friday, Sept. 1

The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are still in the race for the National League Central crown, though the Reds are definitely fading. This double-header today could potentially swing things in this division and the NL Wild Card race. 

For Game 2 of the doubleheader and of this four-game series, the Cubs and Reds will be going with a bullpen game and neither have announced their starting pitcher. 

If you want to bet this game with me, use the FanDuel Sportsbook, and their great promo. Simply sign up with the link below, deposit $5, place a bet on this matchup, then receive $200 in bonus bets win or lose, plus $100 off NFL Sunday Ticket to get ready for the NFL season

Now, let’s get into the odds for Game 2 of this doubleheader in Cincinnati. 

We need to look at these bullpens for this matchup because both could be taxed from the earlier game and both will be leaned on heavily to get through 27 outs tonight.

The Cubs have been able to rely on their bullpen for much of the season and especially since the start of July when they have a 3.74 bullpen ERA which ranks eighth in the MLB. The Reds relievers haven’t been so trustworthy. 

Cincinnati is 11th in bullpen ERA over that stretch with a 3.97 ERA, but they have a 4.61 FIP which ranks 21st and is a sure sign that regression is coming for that unit. I don’t think that they should be trusted and frankly, neither should Cincy’s lineup. 

The Reds were on fire in the middle of the summer, but cooled off a lot in August. They finished the month with a 10-17 record while the Cubs went 18-9. The Reds fell to 25th in team OPS last month and Elly De La Cruz hit .198 with just four home runs while leading the team in at-bats. 

On the other side the Cubs were 11th in team OPS and their superstar, Cody Bellinger continued to rake, posting an OPS of .887 while their new addition, Jeimer Candelario had three home runs and seven doubles while hitting .275. 

I still believe that the Cubs will win the NL Central, and I’m not sure the Reds will finish with a winning record, so I have to take Chicago. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change