Chicago Cubs: Three keys to success against the Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have been scorching hot of late, winning all but one against the Dodgers. What can the Chicago Cubs do to cool down their division foes?

Much of the remaining schedule for the Chicago Cubs consists of National League Central matchups. This weekend, they welcome the Cincinnati Reds to Wrigley Field for a three-game set, kicking off Friday evening.

Chicago returns home in the midst of a brutal stretch of schedule, in which they play 30 games in 30 days. They wrapped up a one-game stint against Washington Thursday, winning the game, but losing their backup closer Pedro Strop in a bit of a head-scratching way.

But it is what it is and the Cubs have to focus on the task at-hand: holding off the surging Milwaukee Brewers, who are 29-20 in the second half, winners of four of six in head-to-head matchups with Joe Maddon‘s club.

Make no mistake, with such a tight division race, all these games are important for a Cubs team making a run at the postseason. So what are the keys to this series?