Pregame Notes: Cubs, Jake Arrieta look for second straight vs Reds

Coming off a dramatic ninth-inning victory thanks to an Anthony Rizzo walk-off home run, The Chicago Cubs will look to take the game two, but it will be no easy task against possible 20 game-winner in the Cincinnati Reds Johnny Cueto.

The Cubs (66-84) will send Jake Arrieta (8-5, 2.82) to the mound to try to help stonewall the shot at win number 19. Arrieta is coming off a solid performance in which he took the lead into the seventh, but settled with a no-decision despite tossing his 16th quality start. He’s been very good at home, posting a 4-1 record with a 1.83 ERA in 10 home starts this season.

The Reds (71-80) look to avoid letting the Cubs close the gap on them and fourth place as Cueto (18-8, 2.15) takes the mound, trying to become the Reds first 20-game winner since Danny Jackson in 1988. Cueto dominated the Cubs last Thursday, tossing eight scoreless innings in the win. This season, he’s 1-1 with a 3.55 ERA against the Cubs.

The Cubs will have to do without last nights hero Rizzo, at least to start, as he sits as out. According to Carrie Muskat, Renteria says the plan is for Rizzo to play every other day.

First-pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm CT at Wrigley Field. The game will be carried on WGN TV, as well as broadcast on WGN  720 AM.

Here are the starting lineups for tonight’s game: