Cincinnati @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 24, 2018 ) Cincinnati 2, Chi. Cubs 3

Daniel Murphy is providing just what the Chicago Cubs hoped for when they acquired him in a trade with the Washington Nationals on Tuesday. The Cubs are 3-0 since bringing in Murphy, thanks in no small part to the second baseman, and look to stay hot when they continue their four-game set against the visiting Cincinnati Reds on Saturday afternoon.

Murphy swatted his first homer in a Chicago uniform as part of his third straight two-hit game in Friday's 4-3 victory in 10 innings. Despite his impressive start with the Cubs, Murphy had to settle for a supporting role behind rookie David Bote, who delivered a walk-off homer in the 10th. While Chicago has piled up 18 runs during its winning streak after scoring one run in each of its previous five games, the Reds have scored only three times during a three-game slide. Eugenio Suarez belted a tying solo homer in the ninth inning, his third blast in the past five games for Cincinnati.

TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), ABC-7 (Chicago)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Luis Castillo (7-10, 4.86 ERA) vs. Cubs LH José Quintana (10-9, 4.36)

Castillo is coming off a strong effort in a victory over San Francisco on Sunday, striking out nine while allowing three runs (one earned) and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. It marked the seventh time in his last eight starts that he has permitted three runs or fewer. Anthony Rizzo is 1-for-11 against Castillo, who has made three starts against the Cubs this season, going 1-0 with 4.30 ERA.

Quintana turned in a solid five-inning effort at Pittsburgh last time out, giving up one run and four hits in a no-decision. He was hit hard in losing his previous two turns, allowing five runs and six hits in each while surrendering four homers. Quintana pitched seven scoreless innings to win at Cincinnati on May 19, but he gave up four runs and nine hits over five innings to the Reds on June 22.

WALK-OFFS

1. Bote joined Kris Bryant (2015) and Gabby Hartnett (1923) as the only rookies in club history with multiple walk-off homers.

2. Suarez has four homers and 12 RBIs in 14 games versus Chicago this season.

3. Cubs OF Jason Heyward (ankle) sat out his second straight game.

PREDICTION: Cubs 4, Reds 3