If you build it they will come, and come again, which is exactly what MLB is doing with the second “Field of Dreams” game taking place on Thursday. Played on location of the iconic 1989 film, the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds get to walk out of the corn fields this time in what should again be a fun atmosphere despite two teams struggling to find wins.
Along with the Pirates it’s a battle to stay out of last place in the NL Central with all three clubs right around 20-games under .500. That hasn’t prevented the Cubs and Reds from playing some exciting contests this year. The Cubs won four of the first seven meetings and they’ve split the last 36 head-to-head confrontations dating back to 2020.
Field of Dreams | Cubs vs Reds Date & Time
This NL Central matchup takes place on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 7:15 p.m. ET from Field of Dreams in Dyersville, IA. The game will air live on FOX with betting options for every game on the 2022 MLB schedule available at BookMaker.eu.
Field of Dreams | Cubs vs Reds Odds
Chicago Cubs (Check Back Later)
Cincinnati Reds (Check Back Later)
Total (Check Back Later)
Season So Far…
The setting for this game should mask the fact that both teams stink. With losses on Tuesday the Cubs and Reds have identical records putting them 21-games under .500. That was to be expected as they go through the rebuild process auditioning younger talent to see who could eventually play at the Major League level. So I guess it’s appropriate that this game be played in an atmosphere more like a minor league game. The stadium seats less than 10,000 but should feel like a home game for the Cubs, who aren’t too far from the site and have their Triple-A team situated in nearby Des Moines.
In a lot of ways the teams are similar, which is probably why the series between them over the last few seasons has been close. The Cubs have won four of seven meetings this season holding a 53-47 edge in runs. Yep, that’s a lot of runs scored for teams struggling at the dish for the most part. Averaging over 14 runs a game combined the clubs have cashed the OVER five times with the winner plating at least five runs in six outings. The Cubs won the last two series games scoring a total of 23 runs taking advantage of a Cincy staff that has been among the worst in baseball with a 5.00 ERA.
Though they have the same record through 109 games, the Cubs have been a far worse investment down nearly $1700 on the moneyline. The Reds, meanwhile, have been digging out of a hole since the start of the season when lost 23 of their first 27 games. They’ve been better since but still find themselves over $600 in the red for the season.
Probable Pitchers
The Cubs don’t have many veteran players left as they continue to purge the roster. One of the few is scheduled to take the bump, though. Drew Smyly (4-6, 3.97 ERA) gets the nod looking to build off his best start of the season. He blanked Miami on five hits over a season-high 6.2 innings last week in a 4-0 victory dropping his ERA below 4.00. After spending over a month on the IL, Smyly returned allowing five hits and four runs in two innings against the Dodgers but has settled down since giving the young staff veteran leadership. He pitched to a 3.00 ERA over his last four outings giving up one run or less in three of them. The Reds will have chances since Smyly gives up more hits than innings with a 1.29 WHIP. His last start before going on the IL was a win against the Reds allowing three runs on four hits, including a pair of homers. His is 4-0 with a 2.74 ERA over his last four starts against Cincy.
Taken seventh overall in the 2019 draft, Nick Lodolo (3-3, 4.40 ERA) is expected to be a part of the Reds future. He put up impressive numbers in the minors expediting his arrival to the show where he’s been solid. A two-month stint on the IL ended in early June with Lodolo tossing 4.2 shutout innings against the Mets. Outside of allowing five runs to the Cards he’s been good since rejoining the rotation going 2-1 with a 3.81 ERA. Like his counterpart Lodolo has yielded more hits than innings with a 1.58 WHIP. This will be his first time ever facing the Cubs.
Field of Dreams | Cubs vs Reds Predictions
The teams have played high scoring games this season and with starters used to putting guys on base someone will cash in, which is why I’m leaning toward the OVER. With neither pitcher going deep in games this will be a battle between the bullpens, and right now I trust Chicago’s a little more giving the Cubs the moneyline edge.
Our Prediction: Chicago Cubs / OVER
