3 Best Prop Bets for Cubs vs. Reds in Field of Dreams Game (Expect Someone to Go Yard Early)

One of the coolest venues in all of baseball, the Field of Dreams, plays host to the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds on Thursday, Aug. 11. 

BetSided’s Iain MacMillan previewed this matchup, and explained how you can back the Reds without running into the Cubs’ red-hot bullpen. 

If you are looking for more than just some wagers on the game, or the voices in the Field of Dreams are speaking to you, don’t worry. 

Here are three prop bets to consider for this matchup, with odds from DraftKings Sportsbook: 

Best Prop Bets for Cubs vs. Reds

• First Home Run in First or Second Inning (+120)
• Nick Lodolo UNDER 7.5 Strikeouts (-155)
• Cubs First 5 Team Total UNDER 2.5 Runs (-145)

First Home Run in First or Second Inning (+120)

Get ready for some early fireworks on Thursday, as last year’s Field of Dreams Game saw eight home runs between the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. 

While these offenses aren’t as potent as those teams, they are facing two pitchers who are susceptible to the long ball. Nick Lodolo has allowed seven homers in nine starts while Drew Smyly has allowed 11 homers in 14 starts. 

At plus-money, I’ll take a shot on someone getting a hold of one and sending it into the cornfield. 

Nick Lodolo UNDER 7.5 Strikeouts (-155)

This number is WAY too high for my liking, as Nick Lodolo has cleared it just three times in nine starts this season. 

The Cubs average 8.82 strikeouts per game, but I don’t know if Lodolo goes deep enough into this game, especially after last year’s Field of Dreams Game turned into a shootout with eight homers. 

Lodolo has great stuff, striking out 58 batters in 43.0 innings, but he’s only pitched six innings in two of his nine starts. I’m just not sure the Cincinnati Reds starter lasts long enough to clear what is a pretty lofty number tonight.

Cubs First 5 Team Total UNDER 2.5 Runs (-145)

I think we see some homers in this game, but the Cubs have been struggling against lefties like Lodolo lately, and I’ll fade them for as long as he’s in the game. 

The Cubs’ OPS since July 1 goes from .687 against righties, to .594 against lefties. That mark is the third lowest in the Majors during that span. Not ideal. 

Lodolo has five starts where he’s allowed two or fewer runs this season, so he certainly has it in him to slow down a below average offense.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.