Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds April 4 Betting Preview

The Cincinnati Reds were able to come away with a 7-6 win on Monday afternoon as they took down the Chicago Cubs. Cincinnati now moves to 3-1 in the early season, and Chicago sits at 1-3. This will be the second game of a three-game set between the two National League Central teams.

While this one could be a bit different given the fact that the Reds were just able to come away with a win, the Cubs haven't shown much this season in terms of finding ways to get the job done. 

Although it's way too early to make any assumptions, it looks like Chicago could struggle a bit this season once again. They did make some impressive moves during the off-season and they're hopeful that those are eventually going to pan out for them.

The Reds Are Playing Well

The Cincinnati Reds come into this one playing some above-average baseball to start the season. They were able to win two out of three against a below-average Pittsburgh Pirates team in their first series of the season and then beat the Chicago Cubs in the first game of this three-game set.

Although both of those teams were expected to be two of the worst in Major League Baseball this season, winning three of their first four games has to give Cincinnati some sort of confidence heading into the remainder of the early portion of the season. If they can continue finding ways to scratch out wins, this is a division that they do have a chance of winning. 

Outside of the St Louis Cardinals, not many teams are expected to be one of the best in baseball this season.

Luis Cessa is going to be on the mound for Cincinnati. He comes into this one with a .211 AVG against in 46 plate appearances against Chicago. Cessa has also held hitters to a .299 xwOBA and an 88.3 AVG EV.

Chicago Needs To Turn It Around

The Chicago Cubs decided to add Dansby Swanson and Cody Bellinger in the offseason, hoping that those two guys could help turn this franchise around. 

They also went out and added Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini. Those are four of the better players in Major League Baseball in terms of above-average pros, so it should work out for them in the long run. Although they've struggled to start the season, losing their last three games, this is the perfect series for them to get back on track. 

If they can find a way to win these next two games, they should put themselves in a somewhat decent position. The pitching is going to be in question for Chicago, but if their offense can do what it's expected to do, this team can be above average.

If the bats can continue impressing, they should be in for a good future and a better year than last season.

Cubs vs. Reds Prediction

It could be tough to take the Cubs after some of their recent games, but taking them at -134 doesn't seem like a bad idea here. They have the better pitcher on the mound and should be able to come away with the win if their offense shows up.