Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions May 31st 2025

Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds May 31st 2025

The Reds will take on the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday, May 31, 2025. The game is set to start at 2:20 PM, making it an afternoon event. Fans can expect a matchup between two starting pitchers with impressive stats.

Nick Lodolo will be on the mound for the Reds. He has an ERA of 3.39 and a WHIP of 1.10. The Cubs will counter with Drew Pomeranz, who has not allowed an earned run yet and has a WHIP of 0.55. This game could be a test for both teams’ batters against these strong pitchers.

Reds vs Cubs Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Reds vs. Cubs
• Venue: Wrigley Field
• Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
• Betting Odds: Cubs -1.5 (+135), Reds +1.5 (-159), Cubs MoneyLine -163, Reds MoneyLine +137, Over/Under 7.5

The Reds Can Win If…

The Cincinnati Reds head into their next game with confidence after a solid 6-2 win against the Chicago Cubs. Andrew Abbott was outstanding on the mound, pitching seven innings and allowing only one hit. The Reds’ offense was powered by home runs from TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, and Tyler Stephenson, showing their ability to score runs quickly.

The Reds have some strong stats that indicate their winning potential. They rank 5th in doubles and stolen bases, which highlights their ability to create scoring opportunities. Their pitching staff has a respectable 3.75 ERA, and they are 7th in batting average against, showing they can limit opponents’ scoring.

Elly De La Cruz is a key player to watch, leading the team in home runs and RBIs. His performance can be a game-changer for the Reds. With Nick Lodolo on the mound, who has a 3.39 ERA, the Reds have a strong chance to secure another win against the Cubs.

The Cubs Can Win If…

The Chicago Cubs are ready to bounce back after their recent 6-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Despite the loss, the Cubs showed potential with four extra-base hits. Michael Busch, Nico Hoerner, and Pete Crow-Armstrong each contributed with key hits, setting the stage for a strong performance in the upcoming game.

Offensively, the Cubs have been strong this season. They rank second in batting average at .261 and have hit 79 home runs, placing them fourth in the league. With players like Seiya Suzuki and Pete Crow-Armstrong leading the charge, the Cubs have the firepower to challenge any opponent.

Drew Pomeranz will take the mound for the Cubs, bringing an impressive 0.00 ERA and 0.55 WHIP. This provides a solid foundation for the Cubs to secure a win. With a strong lineup and Pomeranz’s pitching, the Cubs have the tools to succeed against the Reds.

The Lean

The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -163, while the Reds sit at +137. Given the Cubs’ strong hitting stats, like a .261 batting average and 79 home runs, they have the edge. My model projects the Cubs to win 5-3, making them the recommended pick for the moneyline.

The over/under line is set at 7.5. The Cubs’ and Reds’ combined offensive capabilities suggest a higher scoring game. With my model projecting a total of 8 runs, taking the over at -105 is the recommended choice.

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Cubs Looking for Better Start from Ben Brown Against Reds

Chicago Cubs right-hander Ben Brown will get another crack at the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, but this time with a twist — the Cubs plan to deploy an opener before inserting Brown in hopes of avoiding his recurring first-inning struggles.

The move comes after Brown (3-3, 6.39 ERA) was shelled for four runs in the first inning against the Reds last Sunday, setting an all-too-familiar tone before ultimately allowing a career-high eight earned runs over 4 1/3 innings. Despite the poor start, Chicago rallied to win the game 11-8.

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“When you use an opener for a starter, you’re trying to get a better solution in the first inning,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “And then you’re trying to probably get a better solution as you get to the back end of the appearance.”

Brown Seeks Stability, Lodolo Leads Reds’ Rotation

Brown is navigating one of the more volatile stretches of his young career. After beginning May with a brilliant six-inning shutout against the Brewers, he has since struggled mightily in back-to-back starts. His issues against the Reds go beyond this season — in three career starts versus Cincinnati, Brown is 0-2 with a 10.80 ERA.

“I can just have the worst season of all time, or I can fix my attitude and my effort and really lock into what needs to be done,” Brown admitted. “And I’m going to choose that route.”

On the other side, the Reds (led by seven shutout innings from Andrew Abbott) took the series opener 6-2 on Friday and will send lefty Nick Lodolo to the mound. Lodolo (4-4, 3.39 ERA) matched up against Brown last Sunday, allowing three runs over five innings with six strikeouts and two walks. Though he didn’t get the decision, Lodolo praised the Cubs’ lineup depth.

“Every guy over there has a good idea of what they are going to do at the dish,” Lodolo said. “They put up good at-bats, one through nine.”

Lodolo has fared reasonably well against Chicago overall, going 2-2 with a 5.29 ERA in six career starts. He’s also had recent success against the Cubs, beating them twice last June.

As Chicago looks to revive its early-season spark and get more consistent innings from Brown, this game carries added weight for bettors watching trends in MLB Pitching Matchups and Game Predictions.

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