Chicago Cubs look to take series against Reds behind Jake Arrieta

The Chicago Cubs have won the last three games in come-from-behind fashion. Today, the team looks to grab an early lead behind Jake Arrieta.

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Everyone knows what Chicago Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta did nearly one year ago today at Great American Ballpark.

He tossed his second career no-hitter en route to a 16-0 dismantling of the Reds. Arrieta enters this game 2-0 with a  2.89 ERA, and has had a lot of success against the Reds.

In his career, Arrieta is 5-2 with a 3.47 ERA in seven career starts against the Reds. That includes two complete game shutouts, one being the no-hitter last year.

At the Great American Ballpark, Arrieta is 3-1 with a 4.88 ERA in four starts. Arrieta is looking to continue his success against the Reds this season.

Another Red making first start of the season

The Reds will counter with lefty Cody Reed. Reed has pitched exclusively out the bullpen this season. In his last three appearances, Reed has retired all 18 batters he has faced. However, he has not had much success as a starter.

Reed made ten starts last year, going 0-7 with a 7.36 ERA in those starts.  Reed faced the Cubs twice last year and was awful. He allowed 11 earned runs in just eight innings pitched over two starts. He also allowed five home runs.

Keys to the Game

The big key for today’s game is getting off to a fast start. The Cubs enjoyed a lot of success off Reed last year. Great American Ballpark is a great place for players to hit. The Cubs hit 40+ homers there last year.

Chicago seemed to be on a power surge, hitting seven homers in their three games. If they can knock Reed out early, they will force the Reds to get into their bullpen early. Playing two back to back extra inning games, the Reds bullpen is taxed. The Cubs would love to get into it early.

The club also used six out of their eight relievers yesterday, but all should be available today. With the off-day Thursday, and nobody going more than one inning yesterday, the Cubs should be in good shape. A long outing from Arrieta will be appreciated though.

Lineups

Lineup for the Cubs is basically the same. Ben Zobrist continues to be bothered with back spasms, so he sits again.

The Reds will lineup a bit differently against Arrieta, as speedster Billy Hamilton gets the day off.

https://twitter.com/Reds/status/855791314104864768

First pitch will be at 12:10 Central Time. Game is on ABC 7 Chicago, and WSCR 670 The Score.