PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's Chalk Play of the Year
(MLB) Chi Cubs vs. Cincinnati,
Money Line: -163.00 Chi Cubs (Away)
Result: Win
Money Line: -163.00 Chi Cubs (Away)
Result: Win
The Cubs aren't conceding anything to the Pirates in the playoff picture so motivation is there for Chicago.
The Reds, on the other hand, can't wait for the season to end. Cincinnati is staggering to the finish line having lost its last 10 games. The games haven't been close either. The Reds have dropped their last five games by a combined 29 runs.
Going back to mid-August, the Reds have lost 32 of 44 games. By contrast, the Cubs are 40-18 in their last 58 games.
The news got worse for Cincinnati last night when Todd Frazier strained his right Achilles. Frazier leads the Reds in homers and was one of their few bright spots. His loss just adds to Cincinnati's low morale.
Southpaw Jon Lester, who pitches his best late in the season, is on the mound for Chicago. Lester has a 2.86 ERA in his last three starts. He's pitched better on the road than at home with a 3.12 away ERA.
The Reds are 2-10 in their last 12 games against a lefty starter. They also haven't been competitive at home going 6-21 in their last 27 games at Great American Ball Park, 2-7 during their past nine home games.
Cincinnati starter Anthony DeSclafani may have hit the wall. He's 0-2 with a 7.59 ERA in his last two starts. He gave up seven runs in 6 1/3 innings this past Friday in a 12-5 defeat to the Mets.
The Reds, on the other hand, can't wait for the season to end. Cincinnati is staggering to the finish line having lost its last 10 games. The games haven't been close either. The Reds have dropped their last five games by a combined 29 runs.
Going back to mid-August, the Reds have lost 32 of 44 games. By contrast, the Cubs are 40-18 in their last 58 games.
The news got worse for Cincinnati last night when Todd Frazier strained his right Achilles. Frazier leads the Reds in homers and was one of their few bright spots. His loss just adds to Cincinnati's low morale.
Southpaw Jon Lester, who pitches his best late in the season, is on the mound for Chicago. Lester has a 2.86 ERA in his last three starts. He's pitched better on the road than at home with a 3.12 away ERA.
The Reds are 2-10 in their last 12 games against a lefty starter. They also haven't been competitive at home going 6-21 in their last 27 games at Great American Ball Park, 2-7 during their past nine home games.
Cincinnati starter Anthony DeSclafani may have hit the wall. He's 0-2 with a 7.59 ERA in his last two starts. He gave up seven runs in 6 1/3 innings this past Friday in a 12-5 defeat to the Mets.
