Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions May 24th 2025

Cubs Keep Momentum as Crow-Armstrong Powers the Lineup

The Chicago Cubs extended their winning ways with a commanding 13-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, thanks in large part to a breakout performance by 23-year-old outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Known more for his elite defense and baserunning, Crow-Armstrong showed off his offensive firepower, belting two home runs and driving in six runs for the second time in less than a week.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised the young star’s unique talents, noting that “Pete’s kind of doing some things very uniquely… he does some things other guys can’t do.” His ability to impact games both offensively and defensively is proving to be a vital asset as the Cubs build momentum in the National League.

Fans and bettors looking to ride this wave of performance can explore more MLB matchups and betting insights on platforms like the MLB Picks page.

Crow-Armstrong’s Electric Night at the Plate

Crow-Armstrong launched a two-run homer in the fourth inning and followed it up with a dramatic grand slam in the seventh. The latter, a towering drive down the right field line, kissed the foul pole as he watched from the batter’s box. The celebration that followed—complete with a Tarzan-style chest pound—was a vivid display of confidence and excitement.

Asked about the moment, Crow-Armstrong was candid: “No clue. No clue. That was cool. Baseball gods were on my side.”

The game marked his third multi-homer outing of the season and another milestone in his offensive development. His season stats now sit at a solid .287 batting average, 14 home runs, and 45 RBIs—impressive numbers for someone not expected to be a key run-producer this year.

For more analysis and predictions on emerging MLB stars like Crow-Armstrong, visit the MLB Previews section.

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Team Resilience and Future Outlook

While Crow-Armstrong grabbed the headlines, the Cubs’ performance as a whole was impressive. They overcame an early deficit, staying competitive thanks to starter Matthew Boyd, and surged ahead in a six-run seventh inning. This kind of grit has defined their recent stretch—winning six of their last seven games.

“This might be my favorite game that we played this year,” Crow-Armstrong said. “They came out hot. (Boyd) kept us in there, and we just didn’t quit.”

Chicago’s energy and depth are encouraging signs for fans and bettors alike. For those looking to turn insight into action, the Expert MLB Betting Guide offers key strategies and tips.

Previewing Game Two: Rea vs. Abbott

Looking ahead to the second game of the series, the Cubs will send right-hander Colin Rea (3-0, 2.38 ERA) to the mound. Rea has had mixed success against the Reds historically, boasting a 5-0 record despite a 5.20 ERA across eight career appearances.

He’ll be opposed by Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott (3-0, 1.80 ERA), who is coming off a five-inning shutout performance against Cleveland. Abbott holds a 1-0 record with a 3.68 ERA in three career starts versus Chicago.

For fans tracking pitching duels and betting opportunities, the Buy Picks page provides expert-recommended selections.

Reds Seeking a Quick Turnaround

Reds manager Terry Francona emphasized the importance of moving forward after the loss, which marked Cincinnati’s third straight defeat.

“It doesn’t matter, probably, how much (tonight) rates on the hurt scale,” Francona said. “We lost, and we didn’t want to, so we’ve got to regroup, find a way to beat them tomorrow.”

With their backs against the wall, the Reds will look to their offense and Abbott’s strong arm to even the series. Evaluating performances across the league? Check out the Best MLB Handicappers Leaderboard for insights on who’s consistently calling the action correctly.