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Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs September 21st 2025
The Chicago Cubs will visit the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Cubs have a record of 88-67 and are ranked second in the NL Central. They are on a three-game losing streak. Their last 10 games show a 6-4 record. Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs, with an ERA of 3.93 and a WHIP of 1.09.
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The Reds have a record of 79-76 and are third in the NL Central. They are on a four-game winning streak, matching the Cubs with a 6-4 record in their last 10 games. Andrew Abbott will start for the Reds, with an ERA of 2.88 and a WHIP of 1.15. The game will be broadcast on FDSOH at 1:40 PM. Weather conditions are expected to be overcast with a light breeze.
Cubs vs Reds Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
- Venue: Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, OH
- Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
- Betting Odds: Cubs Moneyline -104, Reds Moneyline -114
The Cubs Can Win If…
The Chicago Cubs enter this matchup after a 6-3 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. Despite the setback, they showed their offensive power with home runs from Reese McGuire and Michael Busch. Javier Assad pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs with two strikeouts.
Chicago ranks 7th in slugging percentage at .427 and 5th in home runs with 209. Busch leads the charge with 30 homers, while Seiya Suzuki has added 27. This long-ball potential makes the Cubs a dangerous lineup.
On the mound, Jameson Taillon brings a 3.93 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. He’s been consistent, posting a 10-6 record this year. If he keeps the Reds’ lineup in check, Chicago’s offense can provide enough run support for a win.
Starting Pitchers Comparison
| Pitcher | Team | Record | ERA | WHIP | Strikeouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jameson Taillon | Cubs | 10-6 | 3.93 | 1.09 | 119 |
| Andrew Abbott | Reds | 9-7 | 2.88 | 1.15 | 142 |
The Reds Can Win If…
The Cincinnati Reds are rolling after a 6-3 win over the Cubs. Zack Littell pitched five innings of solid baseball, and their offense exploded with home runs from TJ Friedl, Tyler Stephenson, and Spencer Steer.
Cincinnati has hit 161 home runs this season, ranking 17th overall. Their slugging percentage is .393, but their ability to generate quick runs through the long ball has been a difference-maker.
Andrew Abbott, with a 2.88 ERA and a WHIP of 1.15, will take the mound. He’s been reliable and has a history of success against the Cubs this season. If he controls the zone, the Reds’ offense has the firepower to back him up.
The Lean
The Cubs are slight moneyline favorites at -104, with the Reds priced at -114. Chicago’s edge comes from its superior slugging and home run totals. My model projects a 5-4 Cubs win, making them the moneyline pick.
The game total is set at 9.0 runs. With both lineups capable of power and both pitching staffs holding strong numbers, my model projects exactly 9 runs. That aligns with the set line, making the over at 9.0 (-102) the recommended play.
Check today’s full MLB picks for more betting angles.
Recent Form and Standings
The Cubs have already clinched a playoff spot but come in having lost three straight. Their offense has stalled, producing just seven runs during this stretch.
Meanwhile, the Reds are in must-win territory. Winners of four straight, they sit just one game out of the final NL wild-card spot. With only seven games remaining, every result carries postseason weight.
Key Player Matchups
- Jameson Taillon has gone 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA over his last four starts.
- Andrew Abbott is 3-1 with a 2.91 ERA in six career starts against the Cubs.
- Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki bring home run power that could swing the game.
- Spencer Steer and TJ Friedl remain X-factors for Cincinnati’s offense.
Explore every MLB team page to dig deeper into individual player stats and matchups.
Betting Trends
| Trend |
|---|
| Cubs are 7-3 in Taillon’s last 10 starts. |
| Reds are 6-2 in Abbott’s last 8 starts. |
| The over is 5-2 in the last 7 head-to-head meetings. |
Stay updated with the latest MLB odds before placing your bet.
Game Preview Recap
This game is more than just another divisional clash. For the Reds, it’s about survival in the playoff race. Andrew Abbott will need to rebound from an inconsistent September to give Cincinnati a chance at a sweep.
For the Cubs, Jameson Taillon’s recent form is their best weapon. After six shutout innings in his last outing, Chicago hopes he can silence the Reds’ bats. Their playoff spot is secured, but they’ll want to enter October with momentum.
Both clubs know each other well, and with power on both sides, the series finale is set up for fireworks. The Cubs’ playoff security meets the Reds’ desperation in what could be one of the weekend’s most intriguing matchups.
Read the complete MLB expert betting guide for more strategies on games like this one.
