The final fourth game of the series between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs will take place at the Great American Ball Park in Ohio. The visitors are entering with a 31-34 record this season and are currently 6th in the National League. Their opponents are just one position lower with a similar record of 32-33. This year, the Cincinnati Reds lead the head-to-head 5-1.
The Chicago Cubs suffered another loss against the Reds yesterday with a score of 3-4, marking their third consecutive defeat. Shohei Imanaga will start to turn this situation around. The starting pitcher began his debut season splendidly but faltered in the last match. In 11 starts, he holds a 5-1 record with an ERA of 1.88 and 65 strikeouts.
Yesterday's victory was the seventh consecutive win for the hosts and their eighth in the last ten games. Over the last 10 games, their batting average has significantly increased, with an average of 6.2 runs per game. Frankie Montas will be the starting pitcher for the Reds tonight. He has recorded 3 wins and 4 losses in 11 starts with a 4.00 ERA and 42 strikeouts. This season marks Montas' first in this role.
Shohei Imanaga has been phenomenal this season and is a strong contender for the Cy Young award. The difference in the quality of pitchers is evident, and the Cubs have yet to be swept in any series of more than two games this season. The Reds have a hot streak, but Shohei Imanaga's excellence is too good to ignore. I believe the Cubs will manage to take the final game and avoid a series sweep.
Both teams have been quite productive in their recent games, and there are pitching issues to consider. Montas has seen his fair share of struggles, and Imanaga has recently shown some lapses. It’s difficult to expect teams to suddenly resolve their issues, making a total over of 7.5 runs a solid choice.
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