Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Free MLB Pick, 7–30–2020
Free MLB Pick by Blake Mitchum of SportsPicksForum.com
Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds
Time: Thursday, July 30, 6:10 PM EST
Odds: Cubs +100 | Reds -120, O/U 9
The Chicago Cubs (4–2) and Cincinnati Reds (2–4) will play Game 4 of this four-game series at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. The Cubs have won two of three to start this series and take an early lead in the NL Central. The Cubs will send Yu Darvish (0–1, 6.75 ERA) to the mound and the Reds will counter with Luis Castillo ( 0–1, 1.50 ERA).
Chicago has played well to start the shortened 2020 season after winning two of three vs. Milwaukee and a chance to win three of four from Cincinnati. Chicago has come out of the gates swinging their bats well scoring 31 runs and 11 home runs over their first 6 games. Willson Contreras, Anthony Rizzo, and Ian Happ have all contributed at the plate to the Cubs hot start. Chicago’s pitching hasn’t been great and they enter Thursday night with a 5.43 team ERA and 1.25 WHIP. Chicago will send RHP Yu Darvish to the mound on Thursday after taking a loss against the Brewers on Saturday with six hits in four innings. Darvish put up a 6–8 record with a 3.98 ERA and 229 strikeouts in 178.2 innings pitched.
Many experts felt that Cincinnati would take a step forward in 2020 but the team hasn’t found their stride to start the season. The Reds are averaging over 6 runs per game and they lead the league with 12 home runs. However, the offense isn’t the problem it’s their pitching. For Thursday’s start, the Reds will turn to RHP Luis Castillo. Last season, Castillo was able to notch a 15–8 record with a 3.40 ERA and 226 strikeouts in 190.2 innings of work. Castillo struck out 11 Tigers over six innings on Saturday in a no-decision for his lone start this season.
Cincinnati isn’t off to the start they expected but they may have an opportunity on Thursday night vs. Yu Darvish to pick up a win. Cubs appear to have a better squad but Darvish is not the same pitcher he was just a few years ago. Castillo is a strikeout pitcher and should be able to silent the Cubs bats enough to keep the Reds in this game. Look for the Reds offense to show some signs of life after Wednesday’s 12–7 victory. Side with the Reds -125 at home in Game 4.
Cubs vs. Reds Free Pick: Cincinnati Reds -125
