The Chicago Cubs (45-65) prepare to take on the Cincinnati Reds (44-66) at the FIeld of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa. This is the first of a three game series between these NL Central rivals.
Chicago enters play fresh off of a 2-1 series win over the Washington Nationals. The Cubs, despite their overall underwhelming 2022 season, have played a decent brand of baseball as of late.
Reds Struggle
Meanwhile, the Reds have struggled. They were recently swept by the Mets in New York. They will try to turn things around in the Cornfields of Iowa on Thursday night.
This will be the second ever Field of Dreams game. Last year’s edition did not disappoint. Although the Cubs and Reds have labored in 2022, this game still projects to be a good one.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM EST on Thursday, August 11th at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville, Iowa.
Let’s take a look at the Cubs vs. Reds odds for this contest.
Cubs vs. Reds Odds
This is the biggest game of the year for the Cubs and Reds on the MLB schedule since both are out of contention.
The Cubs are the favorites in this game. They didn’t have an all-out firesale at the MLB trade deadline which has kept their team rather mediocre instead of flat-out bad. As a result, they have a better team than Cincinnati.
The Reds could upset the odds in this game. But they need the offense to get things going. It has been a struggle at the plate for this ball club.
Cubs vs. Reds Betting Preview
Drew Smyly
Well-traveled veteran Drew Smyly (4-6, 3.97) is the scheduled starter for the Cubs. Smyly has been a bright spot in the rotation this year.
He isn’t a guy who’s going to rack up a ton of strikeouts, but he features an ability to keep hitters off-balance.
Smyly Against Reds Youthful Lineup
I like his chances of posting a successful outing on Thursday. Smyly has plenty of veteran experience which will serve him well against the Reds youthful lineup.
He excels at painting corners and inducing soft contact when he’s going right. I’m not saying Smyly is going to go seven shutout innings.
But he very well may provide the Cubs with 5-6 quality innings on the mound.
Nick Lodolo
Nick Lodolo (3-3, 4.40) gets the ball for Cincinnati Reds in this one. The young left-hander has dealt with inconsistency in 2022. However, he has shown signs of absolute dominance at times.
The skys’ the limit for Lodolo moving forward if he can harness his control. But it is difficult to predict how he will fare against Chicago’s decent batting order.
Lodolo’s Ability
Lodolo has the ability to garner impressive strikeout numbers. But he also can lose the strikeout at times and start walking guys.
And when he begins falling behind in counts, that is when opposing hitters can narrow in on fastballs and take big swings.
I don’t think the Cubs will post a crooked number by any means against Lodolo. But they should make him work every out on Thursday.
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions
So which team should you place your MLB betting selection on? The over/under is set at around nine for this game. And that number seems a bit low.
Neither Smyly nor Lodolo has excelled in 2022. Yes, Smyly has been decent. But the Reds will likely be able to put up a couple of runs on the board against him.
Who to Bet On?
And the Cubs are unlikely to be shut down by Lodolo and the Reds bullpen. So take the over on the total. As for the game, the Cubs are in a good position to win.
They have played better as of late and feature an all-around more talented ball club. Roll with Chicago +1.5 in this Field of Dreams game.
MLB Pick: Cubs +1.5 (-210)
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