On The Horizon: Cubs vs. Reds series preview

The last time the Reds played in Wrigley Field, they took three of four and outscored the Cubs 27-16. Other than the first game of the series, won by a Javier Báez walkoff hit 6-5, the games weren’t particularly close.

And that was with a group of World Series heroes, before the big selloff at the end of July.

So what would make anyone think the current group of Cubs would do any better?

Well, there’s the fact that this group of Cubs took two of three from the Reds in Cincinnati just a couple of weeks ago, and that same group has the best record in the National League (9-3) since August 22. Yes, it’s true, you can look it up.

Also, the Reds are 4-8 since that same date and just got finished losing two of three to a Tigers team that has a record just two games better than the Cubs (63-75).

So don’t make any assumptions about this series. Yet.

Fun fact

Hold Joey Votto down and the Cubs might have a better chance at winning this series. Against the Cubs this year, Votto is hitting .422/.509/1.044 (19-for-45) with four doubles and eight home runs. That includes going 7-for-15 with six home runs in the four-game series at Wrigley in July.

Pitching matchups

Monday: Justin Steele, LHP (3-2, 3.48 ERA, 1.258 WHIP, 5.26 FIP) vs. Sonny Gray, RHP (7-6, 3.89 ERA, 1.252 WHIP, 3.83 FIP)

Tuesday: Adrian Sampson, RHP (0-1, 1.59 ERA, 1.059 WHIP, 4.84 FIP) vs. Wade Miley, LHP (11-5, 2.97 ERA, 1.271 WHIP, 3.78 FIP)

Wednesday: Alec Mills, RHP (6-6, 4.25 ERA, 1.406 WHIP, 4.18 FIP) vs. Vladimir Gutierrez, RHP (9-6, 4.17 ERA, 1.329 WHIP, 5.07 FIP)

Times & TV channels

Monday: 1:20 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network

Tuesday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network

Wednesday: 6:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network

Prediction

Maybe I’m just a bit giddy with the Cubs riding a six-game winning streak, but I genuinely think this Cubs team believes in itself enough to win two of three, especially since the Reds have lost four of their last six road games.

Up next

The Cubs are off Thursday, then host former Cubs Kris Bryant, Tommy La Stella, Jose Quintana and the rest of the San Francisco Giants for a three-game series at Wrigley Field beginning Friday afternoon.