Cubs vs Reds: Four-Game Win Streak on the Line in Cincinnati
The Chicago Cubs (88-64) bring their hottest stretch of the season into Cincinnati Thursday night, riding a four-game winning streak that has them playing some of their best baseball all year. The Reds (76-76) will try to play spoiler as -125 home favorites, while the Cubs sit as +105 underdogs looking to extend their surge.
Game Details
Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025
Time: 7:15 p.m. ET
Location: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
TV Coverage: FOX
Betting Lines: Reds -125, Cubs +105
Run Total: 9 runs
Spread: Reds -1.5
Pitching Matchup: Greene vs Rea
Hunter Greene Brings the Heat for Cincinnati
The Reds are counting on Hunter Greene to slow down Chicago’s hot offense. In his 18th start of the season, Greene brings impressive numbers: 6-4 record with a 3.01 ERA and 116 strikeouts in just 92⅔ innings. His ability to generate swings and misses could be crucial against a Cubs lineup that’s been seeing the ball well.
Greene’s strikeout rate and low ERA suggest he’s found his groove this season, making him a formidable opponent for the visiting Cubs.
Colin Rea Takes the Ball for Chicago
Colin Rea gets the assignment for his 26th start, carrying a solid 10-6 record that reflects the Cubs’ overall success this season. While his numbers may not jump off the page like Greene’s, Rea has been consistently reliable – exactly what you want from a rotation piece down the stretch.
The veteran right-hander will need to navigate a Reds lineup that can create offense in bunches, particularly at their home ballpark.
Cubs Offense: Riding the Hot Streak
Nico Hoerner Leading the Charge
Nico Hoerner continues to pace the Cubs with a .303 batting average, providing the kind of consistent contact that sets the table for the power hitters behind him. His ability to reach base has been a key component of Chicago’s recent success.
Power Throughout the Lineup
Pete Crow-Armstrong has emerged as the Cubs’ home run leader with 29 blasts, showcasing the kind of power that makes this lineup dangerous in any ballpark. Ian Happ contributes with 23 home runs and an impressive 85 walks, demonstrating the patience that’s helped Chicago rank 6th in runs scored this season.
Seiya Suzuki leads the team with 91 RBIs, proving he can drive in runs when opportunities arise. This Cubs offense has scored 743 runs (6th in MLB) while hitting 205 home runs (7th in the majors), creating multiple ways to generate offense.
Reds Looking to Bounce Back
Elly De La Cruz Provides the Spark
Cincinnati’s offense revolves around the dynamic Elly De La Cruz, who leads the team with 19 home runs and 82 RBIs. His speed and power combination makes him a constant threat to change the game with one swing or stolen base.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
TJ Friedl has been productive with 140 hits and a .364 on-base percentage, while Spencer Steer contributes solid contact hitting. Austin Hays adds another element with his .455 slugging percentage, giving the Reds multiple offensive weapons.
The Reds’ 4.5 runs per game average (13th in MLB) shows they can compete offensively, though they’ll need their best effort against Chicago’s quality pitching staff.
Statistical Comparison
The Cubs hold clear advantages in several key areas:
Runs scored: Cubs 743 vs Reds 682
Home runs: Cubs 205 vs Reds 153
Team ERA: Cubs 3.82 (7th) vs Reds 3.98 (15th)
Batting average: Cubs .250 vs Reds .246
However, Cincinnati’s pitching staff generates more strikeouts (8.6 K/9 vs 7.8 K/9), which could be important in a close game.
Betting Trends and Analysis
The Cubs have struggled as underdogs this season, winning just 18 of 42 games (42.9%) in that role. When facing odds of +105 or worse, they’re 9-15, suggesting they perform better when favored or in pick ’em situations.
Cincinnati has been solid as home favorites, going 34-32 (51.5%) when favored overall. The total has stayed under in 85 of 149 Reds games this season, while Cubs games have gone over slightly more often.
Key Injuries Impact
Cubs: Kyle Tucker (calf) and Miguel Amaya (ankle) remain on the shorter-term IL, while longer-term absences include Justin Steele and others.
Reds: Cincinnati deals with several significant pitching injuries, including Wade Miley and Brandon Williamson on the 60-day IL.
The Cubs appear to have the healthier roster heading into this matchup.
Game Prediction
Final Score: Cubs 6, Reds 4
Total: Over 9 runs
This Cubs team is playing with confidence during their four-game win streak, and their offensive advantages should prove decisive. While Greene is a quality starter, Chicago’s lineup has multiple ways to generate runs and has been executing well recently.
The Cubs’ superior overall numbers, combined with their current hot streak, make them an attractive underdog play. Rea should provide enough quality innings to keep pace with Greene, allowing the Cubs’ offense to make the difference late.
Cincinnati will make this competitive at home, but Chicago’s momentum and better overall roster construction should carry them to their fifth straight victory. The total should push over 9 runs with both offenses capable of putting up crooked numbers.
Go Cubs Go!
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