Reds-Cubs Preview

Sep 10, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) doubles during the third inning against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds will look to build on their first series win of the season, taking two of three from the Pittsburgh Pirates. They will embark in a long road trip that will begin with a return to Wrigley Field,a place that feels like home to the Reds and not so for the Cubs.

To say that the Reds have dominated the Cubs, in Chicago is the best way to put.

Cincinnati won 14 of 19 from Chicago in 2013, including 13 of the last 17 games. Going back to 2012, the Reds have taken 23 of the last 29 meetings.

At Wrigley, the Reds have won 15 of the last 16 from the Cubs. A 12-game win streak was snapped last season. So, if the this team want to compete in the NL Central this year,  they must continue their dominance against the Cubs this season.

The Reds, who have also won the last four season series from the Cubs, are beginning a 10-game road trip through Chicago, Pittsburgh and Atlanta with a little momentum. They have won three of their last four games and have scored 30 runs in that stretch.

“We got our first series win, which is pretty nice,” Reds third baseman Todd Frazier said. “Let’s build off of that. Everybody is starting to come together.”

With Mat Latos suffering a setback of right elbow soreness, Alfredo Simon’s temporary stay in the rotation has been extended and he will start Friday against the Cubs ace Jeff  Samardzija. Simon, a reliever for the Reds the past two seasons, has delivered two excellent starts in Latos’ place with two earned runs and nine hits allowed over 15 innings, with two walks and 10 strikeouts.

“I’m feeling really comfortable right now,” Simon said. “I just have to do the same thing I’ve done the last two games. I will do my best and go out there and try to impress them and show that I can be a starter.”.

The Cubs adjusted their rotation for the final two games of the series. Edwin Jackson is now pitching Saturday vs. Tony Cingrani, while the original starter for that day, Carlos Villanueva, will work Sunday’s finale against Homer Bailey.

Series Schedule:

Friday at Cubs 2:20pm on FSN OHIO

Saturday at Cubs 2:20pm on FSN OHIO

Sunday at Cubs 2:20pn on FSN OHIO