The Cincinnati Reds (29-18) return home from a successful 7-2 road trip to host the Chicago Cubs (18-28) in the first game of a weekend series at Great American Ball Park on Friday. The game will air live on Fox Ohio, MLB.com with a paid subscription and for free here.
While the Reds' seven wins came against the Marlins, Phillies and Mets - the Nl East's bottom three clubs - it was a boost for a team that won just three of its first 13 road games. The Reds have won 10 of 12 and 14 of 18 as they return home, where they are 16-6.
"It's baseball, and you still have to play the games," shortstop Zack Cozart, who had a career-high four hits in a 7-4 win over New York on Wednesday, told the team's official website. "Just because we're playing teams -- record-wise -- that weren't as good, we have to take care of business, and we did that."
Joey Votto continues to produce for Cincinnati with a .512 batting average, three homers and nine RBIs during an 11-game hitting streak. He continues to add to his NL-leading .358 average.
Despite impressive starting pitching, the Cubs continue to struggle due to a lack of offensive production. Chicago has lost a season high-tying four straight and five of six despite starters posting a 2.80 ERA during that stretch. They scored six runs and struck out 26 times in three games against Pittsburgh.
"It was a tough series," shortstop Starlin Castro told the Cubs' official website. "Everybody tried to do their job, but it was tough."
Scott Feldman (4-3) will get the start of Chicago. Feldman is 4-0 in his last five outings with a 1.27 ERA. He lost each of his first three starts behind a 4.50 ERA, which he has now brought down to 2.19.
Cincinnati will match Feldman with Bronson Arroyo (4-4). Arroyo currently holds a 3.28 ERA and is coming off an impressive winning performance in which he allowed zero earned runs over 7.2 innings.
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