Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions June 1st 2025

Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds June 1st 2025

The Reds will take on the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The game is set to start at 2:20 PM and will be broadcast on MARQ. Fans can expect a mild day with a light breeze and a few clouds.

Nick Martinez will start for the Reds with an ERA of 3.48 and a WHIP of 1.11. Jameson Taillon will take the mound for the Cubs, holding an ERA of 3.86 and a WHIP of 1.05. Both teams will look to their starters to set the tone for the afternoon game.

Reds vs Cubs Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Reds vs. Cubs
• Venue: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
• Date: Sunday, June 1, 2025
• Betting Odds: Cubs -1.5 (+133), Reds +1.5 (-163), Cubs MoneyLine -166, Reds MoneyLine +139, Over/Under 7.5

The Reds Can Win If…

The Cincinnati Reds are coming off a tough 2-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Despite the loss, Nick Lodolo delivered a strong performance, pitching six innings without allowing a run. TJ Friedl was the only player to record a hit, but the Reds have shown they can bounce back quickly.

One reason the Reds can win is their solid pitching staff. They have a team ERA of 3.72, ranking 12th overall, and a WHIP of 1.20, which is 8th in the league. With Nick Martinez starting, who has a 3.48 ERA and 1.11 WHIP, they have a good chance to keep the Cubs’ offense in check.

Offensively, the Reds have power hitters like Elly De La Cruz, who leads the team with 11 home runs. They also excel in stealing bases, ranking 5th with 55 stolen bases. With players like TJ Friedl hitting .305, the Reds have the potential to put runs on the board and win the game.

The Cubs Can Win If…

The Chicago Cubs recently won against the Cincinnati Reds with a score of 2-0. Drew Pomeranz pitched one inning without allowing any hits. Kyle Tucker and Ian Happ each contributed with two hits, helping the Cubs secure the win.

The Cubs have a strong batting lineup, ranking second in batting average at .261. They are also third in on-base percentage and slugging percentage. With 79 home runs, they have the firepower to score runs efficiently.

Jameson Taillon will start the next game for the Cubs. He has a 3.86 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, showing solid performance on the mound. With the Cubs’ strong hitting and Taillon’s pitching, they have a good chance to win against the Reds.

The Lean

The Cubs are favored with a moneyline of -166, while the Reds are at +139. The Cubs have a strong offense, ranking high in batting average and home runs. The Reds have a solid pitching staff but may struggle against the Cubs’ hitters. My model projects the Cubs to win with a score of 5-3, making the Cubs moneyline a good pick.

The over/under line is set at 7.5, with the over at -116 and the under at -106. Both teams have shown the ability to score runs, but the Cubs’ offense is particularly potent. My model projects a total of 8 runs, suggesting the over is a reasonable choice for this game.

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Cubs chase sixth win in seven games against Reds

The Chicago Cubs are back to looking like contenders. Off to their best start since the magical 2016 season, the Cubs find themselves atop the NL Central and brimming with confidence. On Sunday, they’ll try to clinch a series win against the visiting Cincinnati Reds in the rubber match of this three-game set at Wrigley Field.

Saturday’s 2-0 victory was a showcase of pitching precision and clutch hitting. Four Chicago pitchers combined for a one-hitter, and Seiya Suzuki came through yet again to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. It’s the kind of all-around performance that has Cubs fans believing.

Suzuki’s hitting streak is heating up

There’s no denying that Seiya Suzuki has been on fire. His eighth-inning double on Saturday not only broke a scoreless tie—it also extended his hitting streak to 11 straight games. During this stretch, Suzuki is slashing an impressive .395 with seven doubles in his last eight outings.

He’s not just padding stats. He’s delivering when it matters most. Saturday’s two-bagger was the difference in the game and underscores Suzuki’s value as a reliable bat in the middle of Chicago’s lineup.

Cubs defense and pitching shine in Game 2

While Suzuki provided the offense, the pitching staff and defense sealed the win. Drew Pomeranz, Ben Brown, Brad Keller, and Daniel Palencia were locked in, combining for a masterful one-hit shutout. They allowed just two baserunners all game, frustrating a Reds lineup that’s now been blanked nine times this season.

Perhaps the play of the night came from center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who made a diving catch in the ninth inning to help preserve the shutout. His elite range and quick reaction time continue to prove that he’s not just a spark on offense but a game-changer on defense too.

Cubs outfielder Ian Happ praised his teammate’s hustle: “You just go back him up, because you know he’s going to be flying after it and trying to make a play. Huge spot there.”

Reds struggle to generate offense

It was another tough outing for the Reds, who managed just a single hit and two baserunners all game. Second baseman Matt McLain went 0-for-3, lowering his average to .178. Despite the struggles, Reds skipper Terry Francona is sticking with him.

“You watch them in the dugout, and they’re beating their helmet over and over. He doesn’t do that,” Francona said. “He plays the game.”

Cincinnati is also dealing with roster shuffles. Austin Hays remains sidelined with a foot injury, which forced Gavin Lux into action on Saturday. Lux went 0-for-2 but managed a walk in a limited showing.

Martinez vs. Taillon in decisive finale

The series finale promises to be a duel between two solid right-handers. For the Reds, Nick Martinez (3-5, 3.48 ERA) takes the mound. He’s riding a streak of six straight quality starts, including a seven-inning, three-run performance in a win over Kansas City last week.

“He loves competing,” Francona said. “You’re going to have to beat him.”

Martinez has been tough on the Cubs historically, going 2-1 with a 2.25 ERA in eight career appearances.

On the other side, Jameson Taillon (4-3, 3.86 ERA) has been quietly effective for Chicago. He’s allowed just two runs over his last 13 1/3 innings and is coming off a one-run effort over 6 1/3 innings against Colorado.

“He did a good job at what he’s good at—attacking the strike zone,” said manager Craig Counsell.

Taillon owns a 6-6 record and a 4.79 ERA over 18 career starts against the Reds, but he’ll look to continue his recent momentum on Sunday.

FAQs

How long is Seiya Suzuki’s hitting streak?
Suzuki’s hitting streak stands at 11 games, with a .395 batting average during that stretch.

How did the Cubs win Saturday’s game?
A combined one-hitter by four pitchers and an eighth-inning RBI double by Suzuki sealed a 2-0 win.

Why are the Reds struggling offensively?
Cincinnati was shut out for the ninth time this season and managed only two baserunners on Saturday.

Who’s pitching in Sunday’s finale?
Nick Martinez (Reds) and Jameson Taillon (Cubs) will start in the rubber match.

What’s Martinez’s track record against the Cubs?
He has a 2.25 ERA in eight career games vs. Chicago, making him a tough matchup.

Is Jameson Taillon trending upward?
Yes, he’s allowed just two runs in his last two starts combined and has been sharp recently.