On May 31, 2024, Major League Baseball fans will be treated to an exciting NL Central clash as the Cincinnati Reds visit Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs at 2:20 PM. Overcast skies are expected for this midday game.

Graham Ashcraft will be on the pitcher’s mound for the Reds, carrying a 4.667 ERA into the game. His counterpart, Javier Assad of the Cubs, enters the contest with a significantly lower ERA of 2.172, setting the stage for a compelling pitching duel.

As the 2024 season progresses, the Reds find themselves in 12th place within the NL Central Division, sporting a 24-32 record, which reflects a 0.43 winning percentage. They have struggled in divisional play with only two wins against four losses and currently are on a two-game losing streak. The Reds have a slightly better performance in home games with a 14-17 record compared to a 10-15 record on the road. They have also scored 227 runs while allowing 236 runs this season.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are ranked 8th in the division, holding a near-even 28-29 record and a 0.49 win percentage. They have faced challenges within the division, with record standing at 6-10, and like the Reds, are also on a two-game losing streak. The Cubs have shown strength at home with a 15-11 record, in contrast to a 13-18 record in road games. They’ve scored a total of 244 runs and conceded 254.

Regarding the betting odds, the Cubs are slight favorites with a -1.5 point spread. The over/under for the game is set at 8.0, which suggests a moderate scoring game. The money line odds are -148 for the Cubs, indicating their favorable chance to win at home, while the Reds stand at +126, making them underdogs despite their potential to upset.