Cincinnati @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 12, 2013 ) Cincinnati 2, Chi. Cubs 0

The Cincinnati Reds are struggling to score runs but trail the National League Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates by just 4 1/2 games as they enter Tuesday’s contest against the host Chicago Cubs. The Reds won the opener of the three-game series, as Pittsburgh and second-place St. Louis both were idle prior to the start of their own pivotal set. Cincinnati has recorded just six runs and 13 hits in its last three games but won two of them.

Brandon Phillips hit a two-run homer and Mat Latos tossed eight strong innings as the Reds blanked the Cubs 2-0 on Monday. Chicago was shut out at home for the third straight contest – the first time since 1924 that has occurred – and hasn’t scored in its last 32 2/3 innings at Wrigley Field. The Cubs are 1-13 in their last 14 home meetings with Cincinnati, which leads owns a 5 1/2-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second NL wild-card berth.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati), CSN (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Homer Bailey (7-10, 3.73 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (6-11, 4.23)

Bailey has won his last two outings, following a four-start losing streak that began after he tossed a no-hitter against San Francisco on July 2. He has struck out 34 and walked just four over his last five turns. Bailey is 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in two starts against Chicago this season and 7-2 with a 4.38 ERA in 12 career outings versus the Cubs.

Samardzija is coming off a horrific outing in which he allowed nine runs and 11 hits in a season-low 3 1/3 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies. It marked the second time in six starts he surrendered nine runs. Samardzija is 0-1 with a 3.50 ERA in three turns versus the Reds this season.

WALK-OFFS

1. Phillips is batting just .130 in 23 career at-bats against Samardzija.

2. Chicago OF Nate Schierholtz is 6-for-12 versus Bailey.

3. Reds OF Ryan Ludwick was 0-for-3 on Monday in his first action since suffering a shoulder injury on Opening Day.

PREDICTION: Reds 5, Cubs 3