Chicago Cubs rookie Chris Rusin gets his fifth career start Wednesday night against the Cincinnati Reds, as the Reds creep closer and closer to clinching their first National League Central Division title since 2010.
Rusin, who will be limited again to about 80 pitches, gave up two earned runs and four hits in five innings in his last start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. He struck out six in that start, which is a career best to this point.
Through 16 innings as a major leaguer-he made his debut Aug. 21-Rusin has 15 stirkeouts to six walks.
For the Reds, pitcher Mike Leake will start in an ongoing effort to reclaim his season and make a case for Cincinnati's postseason roster. Leake has generally struggled with an ERA of 4.78 through 167 innings, establishing himself as the Reds' fifth starter.
In two starts against the Cubs this season, Leake has pitched 11 2/3 innings, giving up eight earned runs and 16 hits with eight strikeouts and three walks.
The Reds' magic number to clinch the NL Central Division is four.
First pitch between the Cubs and the Reds is set for 7:05 p.m. CT on CSN TV in Chicago.
Take a look at Bleed Cubbie Blue for more info on the Cubs. Head over to Red Reporter for more Cincinnati Reds coverage, and check out Baseball Nation for even more news from around the league.