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 The Reds have struggled at the plate in the second half and faded
from the NL Central race, but they won the final two games this
weekend versus Atlanta on the heels of a seven-game skid. Meanwhile,
the Cubs' youth movement continues to pay dividends, as several
rookies made key contributions to a three-game sweep of American
League East-leading Baltimore over the weekend. Cincinnati ace
Johnny Cueto looks to outduel former teammate Travis Wood for the
second time this season after earning a 4-2 victory in the previous
meeting in Cincinnati on July 8.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, CSN Chicago, FSN Ohio (Cincinnati)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Travis Wood (7-11, 4.91 ERA) vs. Reds RH
Johnny Cueto (15-7, 2.20)
Wood is winless in his last 12 starts, going 0-6 with a 5.45 ERA
since his last victory June 15 at Philadelphia. The 27-year-old took
the loss last time out against San Francisco, allowing four runs and
eight hits over six innings. Wood is 1-5 with a 3.68 ERA in eight
starts against his former squad.
Cueto had a streak of seven consecutive victories snapped last time
out at St. Louis, giving up five runs (four earned) in five innings
to take his first loss since July 2. It also ended a streak of five
straight outings in which the 28-year-old went at least seven
innings and allowed two or fewer runs. Cueto has won his last five
decisions against the Cubs dating to 2011 and is 9-6 with a 2.90 ERA
in 20 career starts against them.
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WALK-OFFS
1. Cubs SS Starlin Castro is set to return from the bereavement list
Tuesday. Castro has not played since Aug. 19.
2. Reds C Devin Mesoraco is 1-for-31 over his past 10 games.
3. Chicago's bullpen has posted a 1.69 ERA over the last 28 games after
putting together 11 2/3 scoreless innings against Baltimore.
PREDICTION: Reds 5, Cubs 2
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