Mark your calendars for September 29, 2024, as the Cincinnati Reds are set to battle the Chicago Cubs at the iconic Wrigley Field at 3:20 PM. The forecast predicts overcast skies for the game day.
Leading the charge for the Reds will be Hunter Greene, who boasts an impressive ERA of 2.826. Opposing him on the mound for the Cubs will be Caleb Kilian, entering the game with an ERA of 0.000.
Currently, in the 2024 NL Central Division standings, the Reds are 12th with a 76-85 record, reflecting a .470 winning percentage and are ranked 5th in their division with a 23-28 record against divisional foes. They’ve won 3 of their last 10 matchups but are currently on a five-game losing streak. At home, they have won 39 games and lost 42, while their road record stands at 37 wins and 43 losses. They’ve performed better under the lights with a record of 51-25 in night games compared to day games. The Reds have scored 696 runs and conceded 694.
The Cubs, on the other hand, sit 8th in the division with an 83-78 record, a .520 winning percentage, and are 2nd in division contests with a similar 23-28 record. They’ve claimed victories in 6 of their last 10 games and are currently on a two-game win streak. Chicago has a stronger record at home (44-36) than on the road (39-42), and they, too, have shown a preference for nighttime play, tallying 44 wins to 39 in day games. The team has scored 736 runs while allowing 666.
As for the betting odds, they are tilted slightly in favor of the visiting Reds. The point spread is set at 1.5, with the Over/Under for total runs scored at 7.0. The money line has the Reds at -126 and the Cubs at +105. These odds suggest a closely contested game, potentially favoring the Reds who are expected to edge out the Cubs according to recent betting trends.