Pregame Notes: Cubs, Jackson look to right ship against Reds

Apr 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(36)pitchesagainst the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Coming off Friday’s series-opening loss to the Reds, the Chicago Cubs will look to stop a five-game losing streak behind right-hander Edwin Jackson, who is still searching for his first start of the season.

Chicago (4-11) has hit a wall of late, and playing Cincinnati hasn’t been a recipe for success either. Last season, the Reds were 14-5 against the Cubs; the club fared no better at home, where it won just one of 10 matchups against Cincinnati.

Jackson has a 6.00-plus earned run average through his first three starts for the second straight season, which has led to a growing impatience among Cubs’ fans. The right-hander lost 18 games last season – his first with the club after signing a four-year, $52 million deal.

Cincinnati (7-9) will hand the ball to Tony Cingrani (1-1, 2.60 ERA) and the lefty will aim to pull his club back within one game of .500 early on in the season.

Today’s game will be broadcast on WGN 720 AM and Comcast Sports Net Chicago.

Here are today’s starting lineups: