Barking Dog: Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs Pick

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs
Date: Saturday, May 27th, 7:15 ET
Location: Wrigley Field
TV: FOX
Money Line: Reds +144/Cubs -169
Total Line: 8.5

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Chicago Cubs and the Reds on Saturday, May 27th at Wrigley Field. We provide you with a comprehensive analysis, odds, and predictions to help with your handicapping decision or tail our expert based on the projected lineups and listed starting pitchers.

Betting Odds

Reds vs. Cubs Projected Lineup

	Batting Order	Position
Jonathan India	1	2B
TJ Friedl	2	LF
Matt McLain	3	SS
Spencer Steer	4	3B
Tyler Stephenson	5	C
Nick Senzel	6	CF
Jake Fraley	7	CF
Stuart Fairchild	8	RF
Curt Casali	9	C
Brandon Williamson	–	SP




	Batting Order	Position
Nico Hoerner	1	SS
Dansby Swanson	2	SS
Ian Happ	3	LF
Seiya Suzuki	4	RF
Patrick Wisdom	5	3B
Trey Mancini	6	1B
Yan Gomes	7	C
Christopher Morel	8	CF
Tucker Barnhart	9	C
Jameson Taillon	–	SP




Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

Cincinnati Reds: 22-29 SU / OU 28-23 / Runline 29-22
Chicago Cubs: 22-28 SU / OU 27-22 / Runline 27-23

For the season, the Reds have put together a record of 22-29, including going just 4-6 over their last ten games. In the NL Central standings, they are 4th, trailing by five games. This year, they have gone 14-14 at home and 8-15 on the road with an overall series mark of 5-8.

• The Reds have covered the runline in three straight games and have a season-long run margin of -0.6.
• The Reds have been favored in 23.5% of their games and have runline records of 16-12 and 13-10 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 55% of the Reds’ 51 games at 28-23.

Heading into their game vs. the Reds, the Cubs have a record of 22-28 and have dropped two straight games. In the NL Central, they are in 3rd place and have an overall series record of 7-8. At home, they have gone 13-13 and 9-15 on the road.

• The Cubs have two straight losses vs. the runline and have a season-long run margin of 0.2.
• The Cubs have been favored in 50.0% of their games and have runline records of 14-12 and 13-11 at home and on the road, respectively
• The over has hit in 55% of the Cubs’ 50 games at 27-22.

Pitching Matchup




Brandon Williamson enters the game with two appearances under his belt and a record of 0-0. His current ERA is 3.60 and he’s allowed a batting average of .167. In addition, he has allowed two home runs and currently has an OPS of .619.

In his last appearance against the Cardinals, Brandon Williamson gave up four runs on four hits while pitching 4 1/3 innings. Despite not factoring into the decision, Williamson helped the Reds secure a 6-5 victory.




For the season, Chicago starter Jameson Taillon has a record of 0-3 and ERA of 8.10. One thing to note, is that he has given up four or more earned run in three straight games. Overall, he has a slugging percentage allowed of .526 with opponents putting together a batting average of .316 against him. In terms of strikeouts, he comes in with a season-long total of 27 while issuing 10 walks.

His last time on the mound, the Cubs fell to the Phillies by a score of 12-3. In the game, he allowed six earned runs on six hits in what turned out to be a short outing.

Reds vs. Cubs Offense Outlook

The Reds have played 51 games and have an average of 4.4 runs per game, which puts them 18th in the league. Cincinnati has hit 38 home runs (28th). Their batting average comes in at .252, while hitting .250 on the road and .245 at home.

Cincinnati Reds Top Hitters On The Road




Cincinnati Reds Top Hitters: Last Five Games




The Cubs have proven to be one of the best home run hitting teams this season, having hit 63 home runs (10th). In terms of overall run production, Chicago is averaging 4.7 runs per game on collective batting average of .255. At home, their slugging percentage is .391 compared to .423 on the road.

Chicago Cubs Team Hitting Stats




Chicago Cubs Top Hitters: Last Five Games




Free MLB Pick

The Cubs have scored one run or less in three of their last four games and have Jameson Taillon on the hill, who has been absolutely blistered lately. Over his last four appearances, Taillon has a 12.08 ERA and 2.21 WHIP. He’s also allowed 5 dingers over his last 12.2 innings.

The Reds bats have come alive, scoring nine runs or more in two of their last three games. The Reds set up nicely as a live-barking-dog at +145 today!