Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions September 19th 2025

Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs September 19th 2025

The Chicago Cubs visit the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on Friday, September 19, 2025. The Cubs hold a record of 88-65 and are ranked second in the NL Central. They are coming off a loss but have won seven of their last ten games. Manager Craig Counsell will look to get his team back on track.

The Reds, with a record of 77-76, are third in the NL Central. They have won their last two games and are 5-5 in their last ten. Manager Terry Francona aims to keep the momentum going at home. The game features a pitching duel between Shota Imanaga for the Cubs and Nick Lodolo for the Reds. Both pitchers have similar ERAs, making this matchup intriguing.

Cubs vs Reds Key Information

• Sport: Baseball
• Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
• Venue: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH
• Date: Friday, September 19, 2025 at 6:40 PM
• Betting Odds: Cubs Moneyline -122, Reds Moneyline +103, Cubs Runline -1.5 (+137), Reds Runline +1.5 (-163), Total Over 8.5 (-107), Total Under 8.5 (-113)

The Cubs Can Win If…

The Chicago Cubs have shown they can win on the road. In their recent 8-4 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Cubs tallied 10 hits, including two home runs. Ian Happ was a standout with a home run and three RBIs, while Nico Hoerner scored three runs.

The Cubs’ hitting stats show why they can win. They rank in the top 10 in several categories, including home runs, doubles, and walks. Their ability to get on base and hit for power makes them a threat in any game.

Shota Imanaga will start for the Cubs with an ERA of 3.29. His control has been strong, with a WHIP of 0.95. The Cubs’ pitching staff ranks 7th in ERA, which gives them a solid chance to keep the game in their favor.

The Reds Can Win If…

The Cincinnati Reds are coming off a 1-0 win over the Chicago Cubs. Hunter Greene was exceptional, pitching a complete game with only one hit allowed and nine strikeouts. Austin Hays contributed two hits, including a double, which was key in the Reds’ victory.

The Reds have solid pitching, with a team ERA of 3.94, ranking 15th in the league. Their batting average against is .235, which places them 6th, showing their ability to limit opposing offenses. With 67 quality starts, they rank 3rd, highlighting their consistency on the mound.

Nick Lodolo will start for the Reds with an ERA of 3.30 and WHIP of 1.04. He has a balanced record of 8-8, showing he can handle pressure situations. The Reds’ lineup includes Elly De La Cruz, who leads the team in home runs with 19, adding power to their offense.

Latest Betting Trends

• The Reds have won three of their last four games as they push for a wild-card spot.
• Cincinnati is 5-2 in its last seven home games against left-handed starters.
• The Cubs are 2-5 in their last seven games following a win.
• Chicago has hit the under in five of its last six games, reflecting recent offensive struggles.
• Nick Lodolo has seen the Reds go 1-4 in his last five starts.
• Shota Imanaga and the Cubs are 4-1 in his last five road outings.

The Lean

The Cubs are favored on the moneyline at -122, while the Reds are at +103. The Cubs have a strong batting lineup, ranking 6th in home runs and 7th in slugging percentage. Their pitching is also solid with a 3.81 ERA, ranked 7th. Our model projects the Cubs to win 5-4, making them the recommended pick.

The total for this game is set at 8.5 runs, with the over at -107 and the under at -113. The Cubs’ offense is potent, and the Reds have allowed a fair number of home runs. Our model projects a total of 9 runs. Therefore, the recommendation is to take the over.

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Cincinnati Riding Greene’s Gem Into Game Two

The Cincinnati Reds kept their postseason hopes alive on Thursday thanks to Hunter Greene’s dominant performance. Greene carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning and finished with a one-hit shutout in a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The win allowed Cincinnati to remain within striking distance of the final National League wild-card spot, trailing the New York Mets by two games.

The Reds will look to build on that momentum when they send Nick Lodolo to the mound for the second game of the four-game set. For fans looking for more matchup breakdowns, the latest MLB previews highlight how critical this series is for Cincinnati’s playoff chase.

Lodolo Looks to Break Skid

Lodolo enters Friday’s start with an 8-8 record and a 3.30 ERA, but he has gone winless in his last five outings. His most recent performance saw him give up three home runs and five total runs in a 7-4 loss to Oakland.

Against the Cubs this season, Lodolo has made three starts without a decision, working 12 2/3 innings. Overall in his career, he is 2-2 with a 4.28 ERA in eight starts versus Chicago. Bettors keeping track of these trends can find detailed breakdowns in the expert MLB betting guide

Imanaga’s Challenge for Chicago

Chicago counters with left-hander Shota Imanaga, who owns a 9-7 record and a 3.29 ERA. While his overall numbers have been strong, the long ball has been a recurring problem, as he has allowed 26 home runs this season.

In his last outing against Tampa Bay, Imanaga gave up two homers but escaped with a no-decision. Earlier this year against Cincinnati, he pitched 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, showing he can keep the Reds’ bats quiet. For those tracking pitching matchups and wagering opportunities, check out current MLB picks across the league.

Key Bats to Watch

Austin Hays collected two of Cincinnati’s four hits in Thursday’s win and has five hits over his last three games. For Chicago, Seiya Suzuki has been the most consistent hitter of late, stringing together hits in seven of his last eight contests. Suzuki doubled in the seventh inning Thursday to break up Greene’s no-hit bid.

With both offenses looking to find their rhythm, player performance could decide whether the Reds close the gap in the standings. To review how recent games have shaped the playoff picture, the updated MLB game results are a useful resource.

Betting Outlook

The Reds are desperate and motivated, while the Cubs are playing with less urgency after clinching a playoff spot. Lodolo’s recent struggles make this a risky spot for Cincinnati, but the pressure of the wild-card race could provide the edge they need.

Imanaga’s vulnerability to the home run is worth monitoring, especially in Cincinnati’s hitter-friendly park. Bettors may want to evaluate over/under opportunities or player props involving Reds hitters. For those ready to take action, premium insights are available when you buy picks from top analysts.

For the most accurate projections on which handicappers are excelling during the playoff push, visit the best handicappers leaderboard and stay ahead of the market.