The Cincinnati Reds (21-29, 28-22 RL, 27-23 O/U) battle the Chicago Cubs (22-26, 27-21 RL, 24-23-1 O/U) in the first of a three-game NL Central series on Friday afternoon. The Reds will give the nod to Hunter Greene. The Cubs will counter with ace Justin Steele. The season series is 1-1.
The Reds will have Hunter Greene on the mound to begin the series. Greene was competitive in his latest start, conceding four runs including two home runs in seven innings against the Yankees, and was charged with another loss. The right-hander had a great April where he posted a 2.19 ERA but has hit a rut this month and his ERA has dipped to 4.68 along with 1.50 WHIP and an 0-4 record in 50 innings pitched. Greene made three starts against the Cubs last year and allowed eight runs with a 2-1 record in 15 innings.
The Reds are beginning a six-game road trek in this one. They are a decent 3-3 in their last six road clashes but have been one of the worst road teams in the Major Leagues, standing eight games below the .500 mark. The Reds won two of home four meetings against the Cardinals this week and are 3-7 in their last ten games.
Newman!@OfficialKBN pic.twitter.com/KVSaq25tC1
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) May 24, 2023
Spencer Steer is swinging a hot bat, amassing six RBIs in his last six games, and sporting a marvelous .860 OPS on the month. The 25-year-old third baseman is having an outstanding rookie season, posting 22 RBIs and a .800 OPS. He is 2 for 7 against the Cubs this season.
Cincinnati is averaging 4.41 runs per game, ranking them 15th. The pitching continues to be exploited and has a poor 5.06 team ERA, pegging them 28th.