This is an 8* play on the Chicago Cubs -1.5.

The Reds have lost five of six during their current home stand, and they've surrendered 19 runs in back to back losses to the Cubs. They send a rookie pitcher to the mound in Game 3 this afternoon, and another blowout is expected.

Cody Reed will toe the rubber for the Reds, and he's making just his third major league start. Reed (0-1, 6.75 ERA) has been torched for nine runs on 15 hits in 12 innings in his first two appearances. He's facing a Cubs lineup that has absolutely punished rookie pitchers this season.

The Cubs hand the ball to Kyle Hendricks, who is quietly having a respectable season. Hendricks (5-65, 2.76 ERA) allowed four runs on one hit and four walks, with five punchouts in five innings in a 5-4 win over the Marlins his last time out. The Cubs are 4-2 in his last six starts, and three of those wins were blowouts.

He's handled the Reds well in previous meetings, as Cincinnati's lineup has struck out 15 times, managing just a dozen hits in 47 at bats.

Take CHC -1.5.

GL,

Jesse Schule