Chicago Cubs (85-68) vs. Cincinnati Reds (71-82) September 18, 2026 6:40 pm EDT The Line: Cincinnati Reds 108 / Chicago Cubs -130; Over/Under: 8.5 (Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Reds vs Cubs prediction for this MLB game on Friday, September 18th at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this MLB matchup.
The Cincinnati Reds are 71-82 this season after they lost three out of four against the Dodgers by scores of 1-4, 0-4, 6-2, and 2-8. In game four, Cincinnati allowed the first seven runs in the game and never got back into it for the loss. The Reds recorded seven hits in the game and they were led by Stewart, who went 2-4 with one home run and one RBI. Singer allowed nine hits and seven earned runs over 3.1 innings for the loss, while Williamson allowed one earned run in relief. Prior to that series, Cincinnati lost two out of three against the Brewers and all three against the Dodgers.
This season, Cincinnati has a 4.87 ERA with a 1.45 WHIP and a .254 opponent batting average, while they have scored 633 runs with a .230 batting average and a .307 on base percentage. Sal Stewart has led the Reds with 32 home runs and 109 RBIs, while Elly De La Cruz has added 28 home runs and 74 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Cincinnati is Chase Burns, who is 15-3 with a 2.80 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 151.1 innings pitched this season.
The Chicago Cubs are 85-68 this year after they won two out of three against the Braves by scores of 7-3, 3-6, and 8-4. In game three, Chicago led 6-0 in the fifth inning and cruised to the win. The Cubs recorded 12 hits in the game and they were led by Bregman, who went 3-4 with one home run and four RBIs. Imanaga allowed four hits and one earned run over 6.0 innings for the win, while Rolison allowed two earned runs in relief. Prior to that series, Chicago won two out of three against the Pirates, but lost all three against the Brewers before that.
This season, Chicago has a 4.19 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP and a .245 opponent batting average, while they have scored 817 runs with a .252 batting average and a .340 on base percentage. Pete Crow-Armstrong has led the Cubs with 44 home runs and 105 RBIs, while Dansby Swanson has added 18 home runs and 66 RBIs. The projected starting pitcher for Chicago is Clay Holmes, who is 6-7 with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 91.2 innings pitched this year.
Cincinnati comes into this matchup after a very rough stretch against the Dodgers and Brewers, and they have scored two runs or fewer in three of their last four. The Reds are 37-41 at home this year, while the Cubs are 40-35 on the road. Chicago has alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they have scored 7+ in two of their last three. The Cubs are starting Holmes, who has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five starts, while Burns has allowed two earned runs or fewer in four of his last five. Take the Cubs to win here.