Cubs Host Reds In NL Central Clash
By: Arthur Caron

The Cubs, fresh off a 3-game sweep of the struggling Colorado Rockies, host the Cincinnati Reds for a 3-game weekend series. The Cubs (35-21) currently lead the NL Central by 3 games and are 7.5 games ahead of the Reds (28-29). Last weekend, the Cubs won 2 out of 3 games against the Reds in Cincinnati. The Reds enter this series after winning 2 of 3 on the road against the Kansas City Royals.

Game One – Friday 1:20 PM, MLB TV

Probables:

Cubs: Colin Rea (3-1, 3.28 ERA)

Reds: Andrew Abbott (4-0, 1.77 ERA)

Players to Watch:

Cubs:

Seiya Suzuki, the reigning NL Player of the Week, leads MLB in RBIs with 51. He’s been red-hot lately, going 10-for-23 with 2 home runs and 8 RBIs in the past week. Despite scoring only 9 runs during the Rockies sweep, the Cubs need Suzuki to stay hot to overcome a tough Reds team and Wrigley’s challenging conditions.

Reds:

Andrew Abbott has been Cincinnati’s best starting pitcher, allowing just 2 runs over his last 5 starts (27.2 innings). He gave up only 1 run in the Reds’ lone win against the Cubs last week. If Wrigley continues to favor pitchers, Abbott may thrive against a lineup he already contained in a more hitter-friendly park.

Game Two – Saturday 1:20 PM, MLB TV

Probables:

Cubs: Ben Brown (3-3, 6.39 ERA)

Reds: Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.39 ERA)

Players to Watch:

Cubs: 

Justin Turner, the oldest player (40 years, 182 days) in Cubs history to homer, did so last week in Cincinnati. He’s hit safely in 3 of his last 4 games, including his last two starts. With the Reds sending out two lefties, Turner’s bat could spark a struggling Cubs offense.

Reds:

TJ Friedl, a consistent on-base threat, is hitting over .300 and has multiple hits in his last 6 games, including against the Cubs last weekend. His energy could ignite the Reds’ offense against the inconsistent Ben Brown.

Game Three – Sunday 1:20 PM, Marquee Sports

Probables:

Cubs: Jameson Taillon (4-3, 3.86 ERA)

Reds: Nick Martinez (3-5, 3.48 ERA)

Player to Watch:

Cubs:

Jameson Taillon has struggled with home runs, surrendering at least one in each of his last 5 starts. However, he’s only allowed 4 hits per game and has pitched at least 6 innings in his last 3 outings. If he or the Wrigley wind can keep balls in the park, he could be poised for another quality start in this Sunday matinee.

Reds:

Tyler Stephenson is 4-for-9 with a homer against Taillon in his career. He enters the series on a 3-game hitting streak, with 2 home runs over that stretch. If he provides power from the lower part of the lineup, it could spell trouble for the homer-prone Taillon.

Cubs fans! Can the Cubs finish the homestand strong and push the Reds further back? Or will the Reds get revenge with a road series win? Share your thoughts below!