Chi. Cubs Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions June 2nd 2024

Cubs Face Reds Again, Go for Rare Back-to-Back Wins

The Chicago Cubs are seeking accomplish continuous triumphs without precedent for almost a month as they have the Cincinnati Reds in the conclusive round of their three-game series on Sunday evening in the MLB.

Cubs Seeking Consistency

The Cubs have confronted a difficult period, battling to string together wins. In any case, their new exhibition, featured by a vital grand slam from Dansby Swanson, has started positive thinking inside the group. Swanson’s tie-breaking, two-run homer in the eighth inning on Saturday drove the Cubs to a 7-5 triumph over the Reds.

“Everybody here will be hanging around for an explanation,” Swanson said. ” Everybody here has a particular quality or characteristics that will assist us with winning ballgames, and it’s simply a question of every individual doing that. We have a ton of confidence in each other, through and through, whether it’s starters, warm up area, folks that are playing consistently.”

Prior to Saturday’s win, the Cubs had lost eight of their last nine games, with their only victory in that stretch coming against Milwaukee. In that game, rookie pitcher Ben Brown delivered a stellar performance, allowing no hits through seven innings and striking out 10 in the Cubs’ 6-3 win. Brown has been impressive in his recent outings, allowing just two hits in his past three appearances (two starts).

Ben Brown on the Mound

Ben Brown (1-1, 2.72 ERA) will take the mound for the Cubs on Sunday, facing Cincinnati for the first time in his career. The team is hoping that Brown’s strong form can help them secure their first two-game winning streak since defeating the Brewers on May 4-5 in the MLB.

“Ben’s doing a heck of a job,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “If we can get more healthy pitchers back and we have tough decisions, then that’s a good thing.”

The Cubs have seen an increase in hostile creation as of late. Subsequent to averaging 3.25 runs per game from May 6-23, they have supported that normal to simply over 4.6 runs per game in their last eight games. Furthermore, the Cubs have hit no less than one grand slam in five straight games, demonstrating a likely circle back in their hostile battles.

Reds’ Recent Performance

The Reds entered the series with force, having won five of their past seven games. They began solid on Saturday, taking a 4-0 lead in the second inning before the Whelps energized to go on 5-4. Cincinnati figured out how to tie the game in the fourth inning, at the end of the day missed the mark.

“It was almost like two different games really, for both teams,” Reds manager David Bell said. “There was more offense early.”

This split performance reflects the Reds’ recent inconsistency. They outscored their opponents 19-9 during a four-game winning streak from May 24-27, but have since been outscored 23-14 in losing three of their last four games.

Key Players for the Reds

Jonathan India has been a brilliant spot for the Reds, keep hits in three straight games and six of his last eight. The second baseman is batting .375 during this stretch, going 9-for-24. Notwithstanding, Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz has battled in the series against the Cubs, going 0-for-9 with five strikeouts.

Reds’ Pitching

Hunter Greene began for the Reds on Saturday, permitting five sudden spikes in demand for three hits with five strolls and five strikeouts through six innings. The greater part of the harm came early, however Greene settled down in the later innings, permitting just a single walk and striking out two in his last three innings.

Scratch Lodolo (4-2, 3.12 ERA) will begin for the Reds on Sunday. The left-hander has confronted the Cubs two times in his vocation, posting a 0-1 record with a 4.66 ERA more than 9 2/3 innings in the MLB.

Conclusion

The Cubs are determined to break their dash of irregularity and secure consecutive wins. With Ben Brown on the hill and a reestablished hostile flash, they have areas of strength for a to accomplish this objective. In the interim, the Reds will be hoping to quickly return from their new misfortunes and keep away from a series misfortune. Sunday’s down vows to be a significant matchup as the two groups make progress toward soundness and outcome in the MLB.