Chicago Cubs, Haren look to extend Cincinnati’s losing streak

Cubs and Reds going in opposite directions as they meet for final time in 2015

The Chicago Cubs are assured their spot in the NL Wild Card game. What isn’t set in stone is where that game will be. The Cubs still have a chance of catching the Pirates and hosting the one game playoff, and they’ll have their chance against the bottom of the Central starting with the last place Cincinnati Reds. 

The Cubs (91-65) occupied that spot for the last few seasons but hope not to return to a position like that for a long time. The Reds (63-93), however, may want to get used to it as things don’t look to be trending upwards as they look to avoid their 10th straight loss.

Dan Haren (9-9, 3.83) hasn’t had the impact the team hoped when he was brought over at the trade deadline. He was passed over in his last start against the Pirates, and his role in the postseason–if any–is unknown. In his nine starts with the Cubs, he’s 2-2 with a 5.00 ERA.

Josh Smith (0-2, 7.23) makes the start for the Reds as the Cubs will see the rookie for the first time. The Reds are 12-31 since Aug. 14, and the rebuild in Cincinnati is clearly going to be painful. Smith, making just his sixth start of his career as he faces a team who still has hosting the Wild Card game in their sights.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT at Great American Ballpark. CSN will have the television coverage while WBBM 780 will have the radio broadcast.

Here are the lineups for tonight’s series opener:

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