Cubs vs. Reds: Can the Cubs Gain Any Momentum?

The Leadoff Man

The Cubs are set to take on the Cincinnati Reds in a crucial three-game series at Wrigley Field. As the Cubs strive to climb back above .500, this series against a struggling Reds team is pivotal.

Key players like Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki have been performing better, adding to the team's momentum. Bellinger is hitting .409 over the past week, with 9 hits and a home run in 22 at-bats. Suzuki has stopped looking like me swinging at MLB pitching. He was benched yesterday but has been batting .300 with a home run and 6 hits. We’ll break down the pitching matchups, highlight more key players, and give you the inside scoop on what to watch for this weekend.

Friday's Showdown: Ashcraft vs. Assad

Graham Ashcraft faces Javier Assad in a Friday afternoon duel.

The Cubs, holding a 28-29 record, open the series with right-hander Javier Assad on the mound. Assad, boasting a 4-1 record and a stellar 2.17 ERA, will face Reds' Graham Ashcraft. Ashcraft, with a 4-3 record and a 4.67 ERA, will aim to improve his consistency. The Cubs need Assad to continue his dominance, especially against a Reds lineup that has struggled to find its rhythm. Offensively, look for the Cubs to capitalize on Ashcraft's tendency to allow base runners, and expect a lively Wrigley Field crowd to give an extra boost.

Saturday Night Lights: Greene vs. Steele

Hunter Greene and Justin Steele take the mound in a prime-time clash.

Saturday's game under the lights features an intriguing matchup between Reds' Hunter Greene and Cubs' Justin Steele. Greene, with an impressive 3.06 ERA and 71 strikeouts, poses a significant challenge. Steele, despite a rough start to the season, has the potential to turn things around. This game will be a test for the Cubs' bats, as they face one of the league’s rising stars in Greene. The key for Steele will be command and avoiding the long ball, which has plagued him early in the season. Expect a tightly contested game with playoff-like intensity.

Hopefully, we don’t have to listen to Adam Wainwright on the Fox broadcast again this week. He was such a STL homer last weekend that it drove me nuts.

Sunday Finale: Lodolo vs. Brown on Lou Gehrig Day

Nick Lodolo squares off against Ben Brown in the series finale.

Sunday’s game, coinciding with Lou Gehrig Day, features Nick Lodolo against Cubs' Ben Brown. Lodolo, with a solid 3.12 ERA and 46 strikeouts, will be a tough opponent. Brown, who has shown promise with a 2.72 ERA and 55 strikeouts, will look to build on his recent success. Ben Brown was exceptional this week against the Brewers, pitching 7 no-hit innings in the only game the Cubs won in Milwaukee. He has earned his place in the Cubs rotation as we turn to June.

The Closer

This weekend’s series against the Reds is crucial for the Cubs as they seek to climb above .500 and gain ground in the division. Key matchups to watch include Assad’s consistency, Steele’s rebound potential, and Brown’s continued development. As always, the Cubs' offense will play a pivotal role, needing to capitalize on any opportunities against the Reds' starters. Don’t miss the action, and let’s cheer our Cubs to victory!

Go Cubs Go!