The Chicago Cubs look to end their season-long losing streak when they visit the Cincinnati Reds for a three-game series starting Friday.
The Cubs (42-39, second in NL Central) lost six consecutive games after a 15-7 road loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. Chicago took a 7-0 lead in the first inning then allowed 15 unanswered runs in the loss. It’s the first time the Cubs have been swept in a three-game set under manager David Ross.
The Reds (40-40, third in NL Central) rallied in the ninth for a 5-4 win Thursday to avoid being swept by the San Diego Padres. Kyle Farmer hit a tying home run and Tyler Stephenson hit a two-out RBI single for the win. Cincinnati will be riding some momentum after the walk-off win, and will be feeling good seeing starter Sonny Gray return from a groin injury Friday.
The Reds feature plenty of power with 106 homers this season, good for sixth in MLB. Jesse Winkler leads the Reds with 19. He and former Cub Nick Castellanos were named NL All-Star Game starters Thursday. It will be the first All-Star appearance for both players.
The losing streak has dropped the Cubs from the top of the NL Central to second place. They’re six and a half games back of the Brewers, who have won nine straight. The Reds are two and half back of Chicago.
Season Series
The Cubs and Reds have split the first six games of the season series, with each team winning a series on their respective home field.
Injuries
Cubs: Trevor Williams (appendix), Rowan Wick (oblique), Ryan Tepera (calf), Justin Steele (hamstring), Dillon Maples (tricep), Jonathan Holder (shoulder), Anthony Rizzo (back), Nico Hoerner (hamstring), Matt Duffy (back), Kris Bryant (side), David Bote (shoulder), Austin Romine (left wrist), Jose Lobaton (shoulder), P.J. Higgins (forearm)
Reds: Lucas Sims (elbow), Michael Lorenzen (shoulder), Jeff Hoffman (shoulder), Michael Feliz (elbow), Brandon Bailey (elbow), Tejay Antone (forearm), Nick Senzel (knee), Tyler Naquin (wrist), Max Schrock (calf), Mike Moustakas (heel), Alex Blandino (hand)
Probable Pitchers
Friday: Alec Mills (3-1, 5.11 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) vs. Sonny Gray (1-4, 3.42 ERA, 1.30 WHIP)
Saturday: Adbert Alzolay (4-7, 4.55 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) vs. Tyler Mahle (7-3, 3.74 ERA, 1.14 WHIP)
Sunday: Kyle Hendricks (10-4, 3.98 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) vs. Wade Miley (6-4, 3.09 ERA, 1.11 WHIP)
How to Watch
Friday: 6:10 P.M., Marquee Sports Network
Saturday: 3:10 P.M., Marquee Sports Network
Sunday: 12:10 P.M., Marquee Sports Network
All times Central
