The Cincinnati Reds took the series opener over the Chicago Cubs, and the two teams will play Game 2 at Great American Ball Park this afternoon.
My Cubs vs. Reds predictions are calling for Chicago to fly the W flag to even the series.
Find out more in my MLB picks for Friday, September 19.
Cubs vs Reds prediction
Cubs vs Reds best bet: Cubs moneyline (-115)
Cincinnati Reds lefty Nick Lodolo has been hit hard in two of three starts since returning from the IL with a blister on his left index finger, and I expect the Chicago Cubs to make it three of four tonight.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs sport a 10th-ranked wOBA and fifth-ranked ISO against southpaws this season, and Lodolo sports a career 4.28 ERA across 40 career innings against Chicago.
Additionally, the Reds have been dreadful against LHP this season with a 26th-ranked wOBA and 29th-ranked ISO, while Chicago starter Shota Imanaga holds a respectable 3.54 ERA and 0.84 WHIP across his past nine starts.
I’m anticipating more of the same across the board, with the Cubs evening the series with a win in Cincy.
Cubs vs Reds same-game parlay (SGP)
Reds outfielder Austin Hays has been money against lefties since joining the club, boasting a .337 batting average and a monster .421 wOBA. He’s also recorded a hit in 13 of the past 14 games.
Returning to Lodolo, he’s picked up five or more strikeouts in two of the highlighted three starts since returning from the IL, and the lefty also racked up 5+ in six of seven before sustaining the injury.
Cubs vs Reds SGP
- Cubs moneyline
- Austin Hays Over 0.5 hits
- Nick Lodolo Over 4.5 strikeouts
Cubs vs Reds odds
- Moneyline: Chicago -120 | Cincinnati +100
- Run line: Chicago -1.5 (+135) | Cincinnati +1.5 (-165)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-105) | Under 8.5 (-115)
Cubs vs Reds trend
Cincinnati has hit the Under in 79 of its last 133 games (+26.20 Units / 18% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Reds.
How to watch Cubs vs Reds and game info
| Location | Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date | Friday, September 19, 2025 |
| First pitch | 6:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | MLB Network |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Shota Imanaga (9-7, 3.29 ERA) |
| Reds starting pitcher | Nick Lodolo (8-8, 3.30 ERA) |
Cubs vs Reds latest injuries
Cubs vs Reds weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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