The Chicago Cubs will look for another series win on Saturday when they visit the Cincinnati Reds in an NL Central showdown at Great American Ball Park.
The Cubs will give the ball to Colin Rea, who's 3-0 on the season with wins in three of his last five starts. Andrew Abbott will look to continue a strong season for the Reds, with a 3-0 record and a 1.80 ERA so far in 2025.
Our Cubs vs. Reds predictions and MLB picks for Saturday, May 24 explain why you may have to wait a while for runs after last night’s offensive explosion.
Cubs vs Reds prediction
My Cubs vs Reds best bet: No runs scored first inning (-108 at FanDuel)
Andrew Abbott has been one of the Cincinnati Reds' few reliable players this season. The lefty has posted a 1.80 ERA in 35 IP, striking out 43 batters and working around 15 free passes.
And while he’s managed to get past the fifth inning just twice in seven starts, he’s allowed earned runs in only one of his last four outings. More importantly, he’s been dominant in the opening frame, where he’s yet to surrender a hit to 26 batters faced.
His counterpart on Saturday has been almost as strong to start contests. Colin Rea’s only blemish in seven opening innings was a solo home run surrendered to Bryan Reynolds of the Pirates on May 1. He’s struck out eight of the 25 batters he’s faced in the opening stanza, allowing just four hits and two walks.
The Reds scored three runs in the first inning on Friday night, but they’ve only managed a run in the opening frame about 31% of the time. They’ve failed to score in five of their last seven games within the first inning.
Chicago ranks 20th with a first-inning run just 25.5% of the time, and has scored an opening-frame run in just three of their last 11 games. Ian Happ is mired in a slump atop the lineup, as over his last six games, he’s managed just two hits in 24 at-bats.
The weather on Saturday will be helpful for both pitchers. Great American Ball Park is notorious for being a haven for hitters, but temperatures will be in the low-70s with humidity below 30% and winds below 10 mph.
Both of these pitchers are performing well. Rea’s biggest issue the past month has been giving up home runs, with one allowed in four straight games, but the Reds aren’t hitting the ball overly hard, and he should get out of the first unscathed.
Until someone gets to Abbott early, there’s no reason to bet against him. Take the NRFI at a solid price of -108 at FanDuel, which is better than the -115 price elsewhere.
Cubs vs Reds same-game parlay (SGP)
No runs scored first inning
Andrew Abbott 2+ walks allowed
Ian Happ Over 0.5 walks
The one area where Abbott has struggled is issuing free passes. He ranks in the 27th percentile in walk rate and has issued 15 this season. He’s issued multiple bases on balls in four of his seven starts, including three in his last outing against Cleveland.
It will benefit Ian Happ that 13 of those have come to right-handed hitters. While he’s not getting hits of late, Happ has earned walks in four of his last six games.
The switch-hitter has drawn eight walks in 56 plate appearances vs. LHP this season and ranks in the 81st percentile in walk rate. He’s also earned two walks in seven career meetings with Abbott and will want to cause problems for a pitcher who struggles with controlling his pitch count.
Cubs vs Reds odds
Cubs vs Reds live odds
Cubs vs Reds opening odds
- Moneyline: Chicago -125 | Cincinnati +105
- Run line: Chicago -1.5 (+135) | Cincinnati +1.5 (-160)
- Over/Under: Over 9 | Under 9
Cubs vs Reds trend
The Reds have stayed Under the total in 15 of their last 18 games (+11.70 units / 58% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Cubs vs. Reds.
How to watch Cubs vs Reds and game info
| Location | Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH |
| Date | Saturday, 5-24-2025 |
| First pitch | 4:10 p.m. ET |
| TV | MARQ, FDSN - Ohio |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Colin Rea (3-0, 2.38 ERA) |
| Reds starting pitcher | Andrew Abbott (3-0, 1.80 ERA) |
Cubs vs Reds latest injuries
Cubs vs Reds weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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