Chicago Cubs: John Lackey takes the ball as bats look to wake up against Reds

After scoring just one run on Tuesday, the Chicago Cubs’ offense looks to get back on-track behind veteran right-hander John Lackey at Wrigley Field.

It’s been an inconsistent start to the week for the Chicago Cubs. The team destroyed the Cincinnati Reds in the series opener, putting up 15 runs. On Tuesday, though, Chicago dropped a 2-1 decision to Cincinnati, evening the series at one game apiece.

Chicago (62-56) looks to veteran right-hander John Lackey on Wednesday at Wrigley. Lackey (10-9, 4.82) is unbeaten in the second half, going 5-0 with a 3.42 ERA since the Break. His last time out, he allowed three runs in 5 1/3 innings against Arizona. The long-balls continue to plague Lackey, but he’s worked around it in his most recent outings.

Opposite Lackey is longtime veteran Homer Bailey. To call his contract with the Reds a bust is an understatement. His six-year, $105 million deal that runs through 2019 with an option for 2020 seems troublesome right now, given his 8.31 ERA this year.

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Since the end of the 2014 season, Bailey made just 18 starts for the Reds. The Cubs hope to keep his trend of rough starts rolling Wednesday at Wrigley, where they look to pick up another win. This week, which features series against Cincinnati and Toronto, give the Cubs a chance to build up a division lead, which currently sits at a precarious 1 1/2 games.

Cincinnati (50-70) is playing for the future at this point. Entering play Wednesday, the Reds sit 20 games under .500.

But, given the number of games left the Cubs have against the Reds, they may prove to be a critical factor in who comes out on top of the National League Central.

Starting lineups

Next: Cubs' woes worsened by quality opposing arms

What’s Next

Jon Lester (8-7, 3.99) closes out the series for the Cubs on Thursday afternoon. Former Cub Scott Feldman (7-7, 4.43) toes the rubber for the Reds.

First pitch is at 1:20 p.m.