Chi. Cubs (31-20) at Cincinnati (25-27)
- When: May 24 2025, 4:10 PM
- Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
- Where to watch: Marquee Sports Network
Cubs at Reds – Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -117 | Total: 9.5
Chicago Cubs Outlook
The Cubs are riding a wave of confidence after taking six of their last seven games, and Friday’s 13-6 explosion over the Reds was the cherry on top. The star of the show? Pete Crow-Armstrong, who went full highlight-reel mode with a grand slam and a two-run bomb, collecting six RBIs for the second time in a week. Manager Craig Counsell is clearly enjoying the breakout party, calling Crow-Armstrong “a player doing things other guys can’t.”
This sudden surge of power complements his already-elite outfield defense and speed. On Saturday, the Cubs will look to clinch the series behind righty Colin Rea (3-0, 2.38 ERA), who’s unbeaten in eight career games against Cincinnati despite a bloated 5.20 ERA. Rea’s success may hinge on how long he can dodge the Reds’ power threats in a notoriously hitter-friendly park.
Cubs Prop Picks:
Pete Crow-Armstrong: to Hit a Home Run
Seiya Suzuki: Total Bases – Over 1.5
Cincinnati Reds Outlook
The Reds came out swinging in Friday’s game, but their bullpen imploded in the seventh, allowing six runs and squandering a promising start. Manager Terry Francona summed it up bluntly: “We lost, and we didn’t want to.” Cincinnati’s now dropped three straight, and the pressure is on lefty Andrew Abbott (3-0, 1.80 ERA) to stop the bleeding.
Abbott was sharp in his last start, tossing five scoreless frames against Cleveland. He’s held his own against the Cubs in three career starts (3.68 ERA), and if the Reds are going to even the series, they’ll need his best stuff. Offensively, the Reds need a bounce-back game from Elly De La Cruz, who was quiet in Game 1.
Reds Prop Picks:
Elly De La Cruz: Total Bases – Over 1.5
Andrew Abbott: Strikeouts – Over 5.5
Prediction
The Cubs’ offense is red-hot, and with Rea’s track record of run support and Crow-Armstrong’s power streak, they have the edge again.
Final Score Prediction: Cubs 7, Reds 4
Lean: Chi. Cubs ML (-117)
Total: Over 9.5 (-110)
- MLB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
