Only three of the last 10 games between Chicago and Cincinnati have gone Over the pre-game total.
My Cubs vs. Reds predictions expect the lack of offensive fireworks to continue in Sunday afternoon’s series finale.
Let’s take a closer look at my MLB picks for September 21.
Cubs vs Reds prediction
Cubs vs Reds best bet: Under 9 (-115)
The pitching matchup between Jameson Taillon and Andrew Abbott is very good. Taillon is in outstanding form, having conceded just six runs over his past five starts. Neutralizing the power of opposing lineups is a big reason why; he’s allowed two homers during this stretch.
Taillon has slowed some really good offenses along the way. He gave up two runs to a strong Houston team and just one run over six innings against the NL-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Impressive stuff.
Abbott hasn’t pitched quite as well of late, but he’s had an excellent season as a whole. He has allowed two runs or fewer in 19 of 27 starts, including 12 of 15 when playing on home soil. Rarely do the wheels come off for him.
I don’t expect that to change this afternoon. The Chicago Cubs have scored just eight runs over the past three days, and they sit 20th in run production per game in September. Only once have they plated more than four runs since September 10th.
With both teams sending quality starters to the mound and Chicago’s offense struggling without a key bat in Kyle Tucker, this has the makings of a low-scoring matchup.
Cubs vs Reds same-game parlay (SGP)
Austin Hays has hit Taillon very well in the past, going 8-14 with three extra-base hits. He typically performs better against lefties than righties, but that clearly hasn’t mattered when facing Taillon.
Seiya Suzuki has a hit in 62% of his appearances and possesses better numbers on the road. He’s 3-11 against Abbott and has seen 54 of his pitches, so he should be comfortable stepping into the box.
Cubs vs Reds SGP
- Under 9
- Austin Hays Over 1.5 total bases
- Seiya Suzuki Over 0.5 hits
Cubs vs Reds odds
- Moneyline: Chicago +101 | Cincinnati -112
- Run line: Chicago -1.5 (+158) | Cincinnati +1.5 (-189)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (-125) | Under 8.5 (+105)
Cubs vs Reds trend
Only one of the past six head-to-head matchups has gone Over the pre-game total. 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 | Sunday, September 21, 2025 |
| First pitch | 1:40 p.m. ET |
| TV | MARQ, FDSN-OH |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Jameson Taillon (10-6, 3.93 ERA) |
| Reds starting pitcher | Andrew Abbott (9-7, 2.88 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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