Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 5/7/26, 10:37 AM  by Travis Pulver | Modified on 5/12/26 at 8:48 AM in MLB Picks

The Chicago Cubs will try to close out their current homestand undefeated when they face the Cincinnati Reds in the final game of a four-game series Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field in the Windy City. Fans can follow the action on MLB.TV once the game gets underway at 2:20 P.M. EST.

All three wins against the Reds have been by a single run (5-4, 3-2 F/10, and 7-6 F/10). While Wednesday’s win extended their current win streak to eight games, it was also the Cubs’ fourteenth consecutive win at home.

To help make it 15 in a row, they are scheduled to send Shota Imanaga to the mound to start the day. Imanaga is 3-2 in seven starts with a 2.40 ERA and a 0.85 WHIP. He went seven innings vs. Arizona in his last start (May 2), allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out five and holding them scoreless.

As for the Reds, with three losses to the Cubs, their losing streak has extended to six in a row. They are scheduled to give Rhett Lowder the ball to start the day on the mound. Lowder is 3-2 in five starts with a 5.09 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. He did not do well in his last outing, giving up five hits, four walks, and eight runs to the Pirates on May 2 in just 1 1/3 innings before getting pulled.