Chicago Cubs look to continue stranglehold on Reds in 2015

Cubs look to maintain dominance over Reds

After being on the other end of things in this rivalry the past few years, the Chicago Cubs indeed want to continue their dominance this season over a struggling Cincinnati Reds team. It’s even possible the Cubs could be getting a look at a future player as the Reds appear to be ready for firesale mode entering the deadline. Clayton Richard (1-0, 5.79) takes the hill for the Cubs against the Reds Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.53).

The Cubs (49-41) will look to take advantage of a struggling Cincinnati staff that has a 6.27 ERA in it’s last 18 games. They’ll need it as they’ve struggled offensively scoring two runs or fewer in 14 of their last 22. Richard will be making his second start and third appearance for the Cubs after being acquired for cash consideration from the Pirates on July 3.

His last appearance came against the Cardinals when Jason Hammel left the game early with tightness in his hamstring. In his career against the Reds, he’s o-2 with a 6.33 ERA in five starts. He will get rookie Kyle Schwarber behind the plate tonight, who’s still finding his way on defense–but doing just fine at the plate.

The Reds (40-49) will try to stop the bleeding after dropping two of three against the Cleveland Indians and now face a team that has beat them seven out of nine times this year. Lorenzen will face the Cubs for the second time, after being roughed up in his first outing against them. He went just 4 1/3 innings allowing six runs–five earned–on six hits.

First pitch is slated for 6:10 p.m. CT at Great Ameican Ballpark. CSN will have the television coverage while WBBM 780 has the radio broadcast.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s series opener: