Cincinnati @ Chicago preview
Wrigley Field
Last Meeting ( Jul 6, 2018 ) Cincinnati 3, Chi. Cubs 2
The Cincinnati Reds have brought out their best when they face the Chicago Cubs, and they’ll try to continue their dominance in the season series when the teams square off Saturday afternoon in the middle contest of their three-game series at Wrigley Field. Cincinnati took the opener 3-2 on Friday, improving to 7-3 against the Cubs this campaign.
The Reds have won five straight against Chicago for the first time since 2014, and though they remain in last place in the National League Central, they’ve won 14 of their last 18 overall. The loss snapped the Cubs’ season-high six-game winning streak, as well as their string of seven straight home victories. After scoring 56 runs during the six consecutive triumphs, Chicago went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left nine on base Friday. The offensive woes are nothing new for the Cubs against the Reds, as they’ve scored three or fewer runs in five of their 10 meetings.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Matt Harvey (4-5, 4.91 ERA) vs. Cubs RH Tyler Chatwood (3-5, 4.54)
Harvey is showing signs of regaining the form he showed early in his career, as he has allowed three runs over 18 1/3 innings while recording three straight wins. The 29-year-old dominated first-place Milwaukee last time out, striking out six and allowing two hits over 5 2/3 scoreless frames. Harvey beat the Cubs on June 21, improving to 2-1 with a 4.23 ERA in five career starts against Chicago.
Chatwood endured a rocky outing in his first start since coming off the paternity list, as he allowed seven runs over five innings in a no-decision against Minnesota. The 28-year-old issued three walks, running his major league-high total to 66 in 73 1/3 frames. Chatwood is 0-4 with a 4.18 ERA in five career starts against the Reds.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs C Willson Contreras is 10-for-18 with four extra-base hits during his five-game hitting streak and has registered a career-high four straight multi-hit performances.
2. Reds 1B Joey Votto has recorded 103 career hits at Wrigley Field, most among active visiting players.
3. Cincinnati 3B Eugenio Suarez is 12-for-35 during his nine-game hitting streak.
PREDICTION: Reds 5, Cubs 3