Chicago vs. Cincinnati Series: MLB Betting Prediction

Two NL Central rivals clash early this week when the Chicago Cubs take on the Cincinnati Reds in a three-game series starting on Monday, April 3 and concluding on Wednesday, April 5.

Baseball odds have landed for two of the three games.

Check out MLB betting lines for the games on Monday and Tuesday along with analysis and free picks for all three matchups.

MLB Betting Predictions for Complete Chicago vs. Cincinnati Series

MLB Chicago vs. Cincinnati Series: Monday, April 3 – Wednesday, April 5

Chicago Cubs -120 at Cincinnati Reds +100

Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
When: Monday, April 3, 2023 at 6:40 PM EST

The Chicago Cubs listed starter Drew Smyly begins his season against a familiar rival. Smyly had a decent 2022 ERA-wise, posting a 3.47.

Versus the Reds, Smyly has thrown well. The Cubs starter has allowed a .208 batting average. But Cincinnati has had major turnover since last season. So Smyly has faced Cincy batter just 48 times.

The Cincinnati Reds send Connor Overton to the mound. Overton faced Chicago on Sep. 30 last year. He allowed just 2 hits in 5.1 innings.

It’s difficult to know how well Connor will throw in this. However, the Reds are 2-1 after 3 games versus the Pirates. Also, this happens on Cincinnati’s diamond. Backing the dog makes sense.

MLB Pick: Cincinnati Reds | Bet Cubs at Reds Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Chicago Cubs -130 at Cincinnati Reds +110

Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
When: Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 6:40 PM EST

Unless there’s a pitching change, the Cubs will go with 25-year-old Hayden Wesneski. Chicago’s brass won’t necessarily say it, but they have huge hopes for Wesneski.

On Oct. 3 last year, Wesneski held the Reds to 1 earned run off 4 hits in 6 innings. He struck out 6 and walked 1. Overall, Wesneski posted a 3-2 record with a fantastic 2.18 ERA last season.

His WHIP was a terrific .94. If improves off those stats, no doubt, Wesneski will end up Chicago’s second ace behind Marcus Stroman.

The Reds counter the Cubs’ young flame thrower with Luis Cessa. Cincinnati’s starter is a converted reliever.

Cessa and the Reds should be up against it in this. The Cubs have the better starter and should have no trouble scoring runs against Cessa. Laying the -130 is the play to make.

MLB Pick: Chicago Cubs | Bet Cubs at Reds Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Chicago Cubs at Cincinnati Reds

Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
When: Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at 12:35 PM EST

Oddsmakers won’t set a money line until tomorrow. The Chicago Cubs plan on handing the ball to Marcus Stroman.

The Cubbies’ ace was downright brilliant in his first foray to the mound this season. Stroman out-pitched former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes in the Cubs’ 4-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

Marcus’ stat line suggests that unless he gets hurt, Stroman could end up having the best season of his career. The Cubs’ ace gave up 3 hits in 6 innings. He walked 3 and struck out 8.

The Reds have had success against Stroman. Cincinnati batters show 13 hits from 51 at-bats. However, 51 isn’t enough to make a determination.

Marcus should throw well. Also, the Reds counter with Hunter Greene. In his first foray to the mound in 2023, Green posted an 8.10 ERA and a 2.40 WHIP. If Stroman starts, the Cubs have a great shot of winning this on the run line.

MLB Pick: Chicago Cubs | Bet Cubs at Reds Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

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