It must be a victory over the Chicago Cubs tonight [UPDATE: it was not]

The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs will take the field opposite one another for the final time in 2021 this evening in Wrigley Field, and they’ll do so with this current 3-game series on the line. A pair of 4-3 games have thus far been split, with the Reds looking to swipe the finale as they’re the ones scratching and clawing for a playoff spot.

For the record, after the Reds win last night and a San Diego Padres loss, the two clubs are now tied for the final Wild Card spot in the National League entering play today. So, there’s that.

Vlad Gutierrez will toe the rubber for the Reds as he looks to right his own ship and finish his rookie season strong. He’ll be opposed by Cubs starter Alec Mills, against whom the Reds will be unleashing a barrage of dingers, surely.

Surely.

First pitch is again set for 7:40 PM ET, because the entirety of the Central Time Zone is silly.

Reds Lineup

Cubs Lineup