Pregame Notes: Cubs’ Samardzija aims for first win of the season

Apr 27, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Cincinnati Reds manager

(38) questions a call with first base umpire Greg Gibson (53) during the game against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

After salvaging the series finale against the Brewers, the Chicago Cubs (8-16) will head to take on the Cincinnati Reds (11-14) at the Great American Ballpark behind staff ace Jeff Samardzija (0-2, 1.53 ERA), who is seeking his first win on the season.

Samardzija has  five quality starts this season, but sporadic run support and a lackluster offense behind him has cost him several chances at wins so far in 2014.  In his career, the right-hander is 1-4 with a 4.52 ERA in 22 appearances against the Reds, eight of which were starts.

Cincinnati counters with a right-hander of their own in Alfredo Simon (3-1, 1.30 ERA), who has been particularly impressive so far this season for first-year skipper Bryan Price.

Tonight’s game is slated for 6:10 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on WGN 720 AM and on television via WCIU.

Here are tonight’s starting lineups: