The suddenly hot Chicago Cubs return home to the Friendly Confines Friday looking to increase their win streak to six games. This past road trip started off terrible for the Cubs. They got swept in Milwaukee, and lost the first two in St. Louis before going on a tear to win the last five games of the trip.
Starting the series opener Friday for the Cubs will be Ryan Dempster. Dempster this season is 8-8 with an ERA of 4.96. The Cubs righty is coming off a win in his last start Sunday against the Cardinals. Dempster is looking for his first win against the Reds at home since July of 2008.
One key Friday for the Cubs will be to slow down Joey Votto. Votto is hitting .432 with four homers and ten RBI's in his last nine games.
Mike Leake gets the start for the Reds Friday. Leake is having a nice season for Cincinnati with a record of 9-6 and an ERA of 3.89. The Reds righty has had success against the Cubs in his career. Leake has faced the Cubs four times and is 3-0 with an ERA of 2.93.
The Reds have owned the Cubs the past two seasons. Cincinnati is 16-4 in their last 20 games against the Cubs and have won 8-2 in their last 10 at Wrigley.
The forecast in Chicago at the time of first pitch is temps in the 80's under partly cloudy skies. First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 CST. The game will be televised on WGN.