Reds-Cubs Game 3 Preview

If Homer Bailey continues his poor start to the season this afternoon

Apr 14, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey (34) pitches during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

at Wrigley Field, the Cincinnati Reds will be endangered of losing a series in Wrigley Field for the first time in like forever against the Chicago Cubs.

The right-hander has failed to last past the fifth inning in three 2014 outings, but the Reds have won nine straight when he starts versus the Cubs, so good olmen there.

Bailey (0-1, 8.16 ERA) turned in a second straight five-inning start on a rainy Monday night at GABP, allowing five runs as he did not get a decision in an 8-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates He struck out nine batters, but living up to his first name allowed a career-worst four homers.

The Reds are 0-3 this year when Bailey starts, but he is 6-0 with a 3.39 ERA in his last nine outings against Chicago and 4-0 with a 2.62 ERA in his past five at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs may want to load their lineup with left-handed hitters, who are batting .538 off Bailey.

Nate Schierholtz will return to the Chicago’s lineup after sitting out yesterday. He is a lifetime 7 for 15 off Bailey.

Bailey has fare better against probably the Cubs best hitter in Starlin Castro, whose career .185 hitter against Bailey.

Chicago homered three times Saturday to end a  five-game losing streak. They will look for their first series win of the season.

Cincinnati fell for the second time in its last 18 games at Wrigley Field.

Chicago’s Carlos Villanueva will be on the mound.

The right-hander has a career 4.12 ERA against the Reds, and he’s 1-3 with a 2.98 ERA in seven starts. Joey Votto has given him the most trouble, going 7 for 18.

Brandon Phillips is 3 for 24 off Villanueva. He went 0 for 5 on Saturday after leaving Friday’s 4-1 victory in the third inning due to back spasms.

Catcher Devin Mesoraco doubled twice Saturday and is 14 for 29 while hitting safely in all eight of his games.

Billy Hamilton is 4 for 9 in this series and has four stolen bases in his last three games.

Outfielder Ryan Ludwick will likely miss a second straight game with a bruised toe.

2:20pm first pitch

TV: FSN OHIO

RADIO: 700 WLW