Reds at Cubs
The Cincinnati Reds left the Chicago Cubs feeling low after sweeping a four-game series from June 21-24, but the Cubs have been riding high ever since. The Cubs have won a season-high six straight games to move a season-best 14 games above .500, and they’ll try to continue their surge when they host the Reds for a three-game set starting Friday.
The Reds have a 6-3 edge in the season series, but all nine games have been played in Cincinnati. Meanwhile, the Cubs have won seven straight and 11 of 13 at home, where they’re 26-14 and have won six straight series. Chicago’s offense has been clicking of late, as the Cubs have scored five or more runs in eight straight games — their longest streak since 2010. Cincinnati remains in last place in the National League Central despite having won 13 of its last 17 games.
TV: 2:20 p.m. ET, MLB Network, FS Ohio (Cincinnati), NBCS Chicago
PITCHING MATCHUP: Reds RH Tyler Mahle (6-6, 3.83 ERA) vs. Cubs LH Mike Montgomery (3-2, 3.55)
Mahle has won his last three decisions, and the Reds have won six of his last seven starts. The 23-year-old racked up a career-high 12 strikeouts while allowing three runs (one earned) over 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision last time out against Milwaukee. Mahle has faced the Cubs twice this season and is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA.
Montgomery continues to fill in for the injured Yu Darvish and will make his eighth start. The 29-year-old allowed a total of four runs in his first five starts, but he has given up nine over his last two outings. Montgomery is 1-1 with 3.38 ERA in 14 games (four starts) against Cincinnati.
WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs 2B Javier Baez is 4-for-5 with a homer and a triple versus Mahle.
2. Reds 3B Eugenio Suarez is 11-for-32 during an eight-game hitting streak.
3. The Cubs lead the majors with 26 comeback wins, including each of their last seven victories.