Chicago Cubs (42-39) vs. Cincinnati Reds (39-40)
July 2, 2021 7:10 pm EDT
The Line: Cincinnati Reds -150 / Chicago Cubs +139; Over/Under: -9.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds meet Friday in MLB action from Great American Ball Park. Chicago is coming off a series versus the Brewers. The Cubs had no luck in that one, falling in all three games. As for the Reds, they played the Padres this week. After losing the first pair, in the Thursday finale Cincinnati eked out a one-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Chicago lost all three games versus the Brewers this week, falling 14-4 Monday, 2-1 on Tuesday and 15-7 in the Wednesday finale. In that one, Chicago blew an early 7-0 lead and starter Jake Arrieta managed 1.2 innings with four hits, three earned and four walks.
For the starter job in the Friday game, the Cubs will send out Alec Mills. Across 37.0 innings this year Mills has 45 hits, 23 runs (21 earned), four homers allowed, 14 walks, 26 Ks and a 5.11 ERA overall.
Over on the Reds’ side, they lost to the Padres 5-4 on Tuesday and 7-5 in the Wednesday game. In the Thursday finale, Cincinnati posted a walk-off win 5-4 with two runs in the bottom of the ninth. Starter Luis Castillo put up 6.1 innings with five hits, three walks and three earned.
For the starter job in the Friday opener, the Reds will send out Sonny Gray. Across 50.0 innings this year Gray has 45 hits, 21 runs (19 earned) eight homers allowed, 20 walks, 65 Ks and a 3.42 ERA overall.
The Cubs are 4-0 in their last four games after an off day and 10-4 in their last 14 versus a team with a losing record. Chicago is 1-4 in the last five in game one of a series and 9-4 in their last 13 versus the NL Central.
Meanwhile, the Reds are 15-6 in their last 21 Friday games and 4-9 in their last 13 overall. The over is 10-3 in Cincinnati’s last 13 Friday games and 5-2 in their last seven in game one of a series.
PICK: I’m going to take a shot on the Reds. That said, neither one of these teams elicits much excitement right now. Gray has three earned on 10 hits over his last 13.2 innings, and hasn’t allowed more than three earned in a start since April 23. As for Mills, he’s given up just two earned over his last 9.0 innings. This should be a pretty good starter matchup but I think the Reds can hammer out the win.
