Chicago @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 23, 2013 ) Chi. Cubs 4, Cincinnati 2

A series that has been filled with late-inning drama wraps up Wednesday when the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs in the finale of a three-game set. The Cubs held on for a 4-2 win in 10 innings after squandering a late lead for the second straight night. The Reds won the opener in 13 innings. Chicago's win snapped a four-game losing streak overall and a five-game skid against the Reds.

Cincinnati has won 10 of the past 12 meetings. It was just the second loss in nine games on the Reds' current homestand. The Cubs got home runs Tuesday from light-hitting infielders Cody Ransom and Darwin Barney, but they also struck out 13 times. The Reds have racked up 10 or more strikeouts in a franchise-record six consecutive games.

TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, MLB Network

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (1-3, 3.38 ERA) vs. Reds RH Mat Latos (0-0, 2.73)

Samardzija has lost three straight starts since a dominant performance on Opening Day. He was roughed up early in his last outing at Milwaukee but settled in and lasted seven innings. Samardzija split a pair of starts against the Reds last season and is 1-1 with a 4.67 ERA in 16 games (two starts) against Cincinnati in his career.

Latos has yet to receive a decision despite posting quality starts in all four of his outings. He turned in his best performance thus far Friday against Miami, holding the Marlins to one run over seven innings and striking out 10 in a 2-1 defeat. Latos is 2-2 with a 3.16 ERA in five starts against the Cubs. The 25-year-old is 9-3 with a 3.01 ERA in 23 career starts at Great American Ball Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cubs SS Starlin Castro had his major league-best 14-game hitting streak snapped with an 0-for-4 night Tuesday. Castro is 3-for-13 with three strikeouts against Latos.

2. Reds 1B Joey Votto is 1-for-10 with four strikeouts in the series. Votto is 1-for-11 and has struck out three times against Samardzija.

3. Reds CF Shin-Soo Choo has reached base in all 20 games he has played this season.

PREDICTION: Reds 3, Cubs 2