The Cincinnati Reds (12-28) host the Chicago Cubs (16-24) for a four-game series starting Monday at 6:40 pm at Great American Ballpark. The division rivals are separated by four games in the NL Central standings.

Recent Performance

• Reds: Won 1 of 3 vs Blue Jays (lost 2-1, 3-1, won 3-2)
• Cubs: Won 1 of 4 vs Diamondbacks (lost 3-1, 10-6, 7-6, won 5-4)

Game 1 Odds & Pitching Matchup

• Reds (+108) home underdogs
• Pitchers: Vladimir Gutierrez (0-5, 8.65 ERA, 19 K) vs Drew Smyly (1-5, 3.97 ERA, 26 K)
• Gutierrez: No decision last start vs Brewers (4.2 IP, 4 ER, 6 K)
• Smyly: Loss last start vs Pirates (4.1 IP, 3 ER, 5 K)

Team Statistics

• Batting: Reds rank 28th in average, 19th in RBI/game, 23rd in K/game
• Cubs rank 21st, 19th and 26th in same categories
• Pitching: Reds rank 30th in ERA, 27th in opponent average, 26th in hits allowed
• Cubs rank 21st, 24th and 24th respectively

Prediction Despite both teams struggling this season, the Reds' home field advantage should help them take 3 of 4 games in this series. This will be an important test to see if Cincinnati has turned the corner from their poor start.

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