The Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds meet Sunday in MLB action from Great American Ball Park. This will be the finale in a four-game weekend series. In the Friday doubleheader opener, each team managed a victory. In the Saturday matchup the Reds took the series lead with a close win. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Chicago Cubs 

In Friday’s doubleheader matchup, the Cubs powered out a 6-2 win in game one then fell 3-2 in the nightcap despite a solo homer from Cody Bellinger. On Saturday Chicago had a brief 1-0 lead late but gave up a couple in the bottom of the ninth for a 2-1 loss. Jeimer Candelario had the lone RBI with a solo home run. 

In the Sunday finale starter role, the Cubs will go with Jameson Taillon. This year Taillon is 7-9 with a 5.62 ERA in 24 starts. Taillon is 3-3 with a 5.35 ERA in his last seven starts total, striking out 33 batters in 38.2 innings. 

Chicago Cubs Team Facts

• The Cubs have won each of their last seven day games following a loss.
• The Cubs have covered the run line in eight of their last nine day games against the Reds at Great American Ball Park following a loss.
• The Cubs have led after 7 innings in each of their last six games against the Reds.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Cubs’ last three games.

Cincinnati Reds 

Over on the Reds’ side, they managed eight team hits in the game two win Friday. Nick Martini bagged a solo homer, and Jake Fraley had three hits with a run. In game three the Reds got RBI from Elly De La Cruz (three hits) and Hunter Renfroe in the comeback win. Fraley and Spencer Steer each had two hits as well. 

It’ll be Brandon Williamson on the mound for the start Sunday. So far this season Williamson is 4-4 with a 4.20 ERA and 87 Ks in 98.2 innings over 19 starts. Williamson is 2-2 with a 3.60 ERA in his last seven starts combined. 

Cincinnati Reds Team Facts

• The Reds have lost seven of their last eight day games against NL Central opponents that held a winning record.
• The Reds have covered the run line in each of their last nine games following a home win.
• The ‘Inning 1 UNDER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Reds’ last five games.
• The Reds have trailed after 7 innings in each of their last five home games against opponents that held a winning record.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Cincinnati Reds ranks 1st in the league for steals this season (160).
• The Cincinnati Reds ranks 3rd in the league for triples this season (29).
• The Chicago Cubs ranks 5th in the league for walks this season (479).
• The Chicago Cubs ranks T5th in the league for home runs allowed this season (146).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I might take a stab on the Reds here. Probably not touching it, though. Williamson has been pitching well lately, but he’s 0-2 in his last three starts. During that time Williamson has seven earned runs in 17.2 total innings on 21 hits and just two walks. As for Taillon, he’s been a little sketchy over his last pair with eight earned in 11.2 innings for an 0-1 record. Things could get wild here early if neither starter is on. In the Saturday game Cincinnati didn’t really get going on offense until late but the pitching staff kept the in the game. The Reds are on a roll over the last couple of outings and I think they’ve got a good shot at another W in game four.