Three teams, two spots
The Chicago Cubs arrive in Cincinnati on Friday with 85 wins and 68 losses. That is exactly the same record as the Philadelphia Phillies. The two clubs are tied for the top National League wild-card spot, with the San Diego Padres one game back.
Chicago is coming off a 2-1 home series win over Atlanta, the East Division leaders. On Wednesday, the Cubs finished the job with an 8-4 victory.
Across the field, the Reds (71-82) are limping through a disappointing season. Cincinnati has lost eight of its last 10 and sits 11 games below .500, its worst mark of the year. On Thursday, the Dodgers celebrated a division title on the Reds’ field after an 8-2 win. This weekend is Cincinnati’s final home series of the season.
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Crow-Armstrong in another gear
Pete Crow-Armstrong is carrying the Cubs’ attack. On Wednesday against the Braves, the centre fielder hammered two home runs, added a triple, drove in three runs and drew a walk. He has 44 home runs this season, second-most in the majors, and 37 stolen bases, fifth-best in the league.
“When he hit the second home run, Alex Bregman was standing next to me,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “I told him: Alex, you don’t see that kind of thing. You spend your whole life in baseball and you don’t see that happen on a field. You just appreciate being part of it.”
Holmes vs Burns in a right-handed duel
Clay Holmes (6-7, 2.85 ERA) gets the start for Chicago. It will be his 17th start of the season, and his eighth since joining the New York Mets at the trade deadline. His record against the Reds is ugly: 1-2 with a 7.97 ERA in 13 appearances.
Chase Burns (15-3, 2.80) takes the ball for Cincinnati. The right-hander is coming off a second season that earned him an National League All-Star nod. But the Reds are keeping him in check. With the club out of the playoffs, they have limited him to three innings in each of his last three outings. On Sunday in Milwaukee, Burns was pulled after 56 pitches.
“I walked too many guys,” Burns admitted. “I was trying to be too perfect, trying to get the strikeout. I’m happy with where I’m at and the progress I’ve made.”
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