The first two games between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs have been high scoring affairs. A total of 40 runs have been scored between the two clubs as they’ve split the first two of a 3-game series. Tonight they’ll face off with the victor taking the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:20pm ET and the television broadcast is only available on NBC. Mother Nature may have a say in the start time, though, as there is rain in the forecast – but the rain should be gone shortly after the game is scheduled to start and should be able to be played.
Starting Lineups
Cincinnati Reds | Chicago Cubs |
| Dane Myers – CF | Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF |
| Elly De La Cruz – SS | Seiya Suzuki – RF |
| Sal Stewart – 1B | Michael Busch – 1B |
| Tyler Stephenson – C | Alex Bregman – 3B |
| Eugenio Suarez – DH | Ian Happ – LF |
| JJ Bleday – LF | Nico Hoerner – SS |
| Matt McLain – 2B | Pedro Ramirez – 2B |
| Hector Rodriguez – RF | Michael Conforto – DH |
| Edwin Arroyo – 3B | Miguel Amaya – C |
| Chase Burns – RHP | Shota Imanaga – LHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Chase Burns | 139.2 | 2.77 | 1.15 | 49 | 164 |
| Shota Imanaga | 145.1 | 3.78 | 1.12 | 34 | 144 |
| Links: Chase Burns’ Stats | Shota Imanaga’s Stats | |||||
Chase Burns
The last start for Burns was the worst he’s had in over a year. The Giants scored five runs on nine hits and a walk against him in just 3.2 innings. It was the second time in August that he had allowed five earned runs in a game. He had done that twice in his first 21 starts of the season, but now has done so twice in the last four. Burns has only faced the Cubs once in his career and it came as a reliever last September when he allowed a run in 1.1 innings.
The splits against Burns are huge. He is absolutely dominant against right-handed hitters. They don’t hit for average, the never walk, they don’t make contact, and they hit for no power. Lefties hit for a low average, but they do walk often against him and when they do get hits they show solid-ish power against him.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 203 | 37 | 9 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 59 | .192 | .232 | .269 |
| LHH | 364 | 75 | 15 | 3 | 12 | 39 | 105 | .234 | .317 | .411 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 97.7 | 90.2 | 90.1 |
| Usage | 56% | 39% | 5% |
Shota Imanaga
The season for Imanaga has been one of ups and downs. In his first nine starts he posted a 2.32 ERA. But in starts 10-13 his ERA was 10.80 as he gave up an incredible 12 home runs in four games. Since then he’s made 13 starts and thrown 69.1 innings with a 2.73 ERA. His last start saw him face two batters in the 3rd inning but he didn’t get either of them out before he was removed from the game. Imanaga has faced the Reds twice this year and he allowed one run in each start, striking out 10 back in May and five in July.
The splits against Imanaga aren’t that big. Right-handed hitters have a higher average, but walk a little less often and hit for less power. Lefties don’t face him much but they are hitting for a lot of power against him when they do find the rare hit against him as nearly half of their hits have been extra-base hits.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 425 | 96 | 12 | 1 | 20 | 22 | 98 | .241 | .287 | .427 |
| LHH | 167 | 33 | 6 | 0 | 10 | 12 | 46 | .217 | .283 | .454 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-sm | 2-sm | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Split | |
| Velo | 91.7 | 90.2 | 86.5 | 74.4 | 81.1 | 82.9 |
| Usage | 42% | 6% | 2% | 3% | 15% | 32% |
When and Where
- Game time: 7:20pm ET
- Where: Wrigley Field
- Watch: NBC
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 78°, cloudy, 75% chance of rain
News and Notes
Graham Ashcraft struggles on Sunday
On Sunday afternoon the reliever pitched in his third rehab outing with Louisville. The first two went well. This one did not go as well. He retired the first two batters on grounders. But then he gave up a double, walked a batter on four pitches, gave up a 2-run triple, and then walked the next guy on five pitches to end his day. Ashcraft threw 27 pitches but just 12 strikes on the day.
Down on the Farm
The Single-A Daytona Tortugas clinched the FSL East Division’s 2nd half title to earn a playoff spot today. They still have a week left in the regular season. They, along with the High-A Dayton Dragons have both earned a spot in the playoffs. The Arizona Complex League Reds lost in the league championship series last month. The Dominican Summer League Reds also lost in the league championship series on Saturday.
Division Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Milwaukee | 85 | 51 | 0.0 | 100.0% |
| Chicago | 77 | 59 | 8.0 | 98.6% |
| St. Louis | 68 | 69 | 17.5 | 1.7% |
| Pittsburgh | 66 | 71 | 19.5 | 1.0% |
| Cincinnati | 64 | 72 | 21.0 | 0.0% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
Pregame with both Cowboy and Joey … that’s a treat. Wondering if they will find a way to “force” me to stay up past my normal bed time …
7:45 first pitch and one more chance to Kick These Stupid Cubs in Wrigleyville!!!
Was at game in Louisville, and im not sure ashcraft was same after trying to catch hit from 2nd batter,it went off him but he recovered to throw out runner but then threw 6 straight balls and was never same
Hope he’s physically OK and it just threw him off mentally.
Off topic. C Jody Davis is being inducted into Cubs HOF tonight. He is considered one of Top 50 Cubs ever. He was a very good C in the 1980s.
The Cubs tried to trade for George Foster in 1982. They offered Davis and a pitcher (I don’t remember who) to the Reds for Foster. The Reds chose the NYM offer of C Alerx Trevino and P Jim Kern & Greg Harris instead. None of those three panned out.
In hindsight, the Cubs offer was better. Davis might have been Reds C through the 1980s.
Hindsight always gets you, doesn’t it?
Not always. Sometimes it works out better. Howsam wanted OF Bernie Williams from SFG in 1971, but they declined and offered Foster instead.
Howsam offered Lee May to CLE for Sam McDowell in 1970, but CLE said no. Tony Perez was offered to OAK for Sal Bando in 1974. OAK said nope.
Three examples of many.
Yes I mean by that logic Reds should of kept Chapman and Grandal.
Have, not of.
Nope. Mat Latos was a key SP for Reds for a few years. Those traded for him were not missed.
Reds traded Chapman for non-baseball reasons and couldn’t (wouldn’t) afford him anyway.
Feel better for correcting grammar. How kind of you.
Yep. Simple grammar.
We all know OldTimer has never made a mistake.
Rizzo and Votto stories and banter is FANTASTIC!!!.
Game will start on 7:45 PM apparently
Let’s go! Despite the drubbing yesterday, a win tonight and we win the series!
Wind is significantly lighter than yesterday. Let’s get Chase that elusive #15.
Joey pointing out that hit almost destroyed Busch’s glove. Rizzo chiming in on his fear that would happen to him.
Man, I can listen to Rizzo and Votto all day. LOL
Isn’t it refreshingly different from our regular stuff?
Yes!!!
Weirdest set by the catcher I’ve ever seen.
Annoying is a word that comes to mind.
Umpire has to hate it.
He dropped it later in the game.
Hope Burns won’t tip his pitches today
And failing to challenge that one cost a run.
100% correct
Just walk PCA next time
Or challenge the strike 3 pitch
PCA would be a great baseball player in my book. If not for his childish antics.
Yet, thats baseball today
Compare his “presence” to Aaron Judge. I know I’m not the only one who sees it.
Bingo
PCA seems like a dbag to me. I still probably would love him if he were in a Reds’ uniform.
Honestly, no I wouldnt like him in. Reds uniform. If he acted like that. I dont like it. Just me.
I didnt like it when Sal hit his Homer and did the shhhh while jogging around bases. Again though just me.
I get it, Kevin. I tend to be more old school and would rather just have their play do the talking but I’m a few years from 50 so I’m probably getting closer to grumpy old man status. lol
No amount of mustard could cover that hot dog
LOL!!!! Good saying and true.
Bingo ! Biggest hotdog in MLB !
24 years old.
If you wouldn’t rather have him on the Reds, I don’t know what to say.
It’s about winning….not who you want to be friends with.
Good points, VA! It sure would be nice to win more. PCA can hit the heck out of the ball.
And catch it JJ
For sure. That too!
Cool comment VAReds Fan.
I hate PCA and the Cubs. lol
He’s just another reason to hate the cubs….it’s a long list
For sure, GPod!
Burns makes a perfect pitch to strike him out…both ump and catcher miss it…good lord
That would have been the 3rd out … Le sigh.
Sal fouled off 2 93 mph fastballs over the plate. PCA hit a 98 mph fastball for a HR. Sal is Cincinnati mid summer hot but PCA is desert hot.b Dont pitch to him.
Let’s see! PCA with3 HRs yesterday and one tonight already! Maybe the ol’ unintentional intentional walk is in order?
or call strike 3…either the ump or Ty
Gave Tyler a break he has been remarkably good on challenges, did however yell at t.v. first before calming down. Wish him or ump would have got it right tough break for Burns.
McLain bunting is a good thng
Right now Hays I’d better than Mclain.
why did they take the bunt off?!!!!
3 guys could not move runners up a base. Why didn’t they bunt?
I know McLain is a very good defender but you can carry a guy who hits under .200 in the big leagues even if he is a good defender…The Reds have more than one in this season…it’s a big handicap
First Wife just asked if that shot of “the punk” showed him dipping … if he does that, then he’s just plain stupid regardless of talent.
Focus on Happ, Chase. Of course, he sneaks one through.
2 innings in a row runner on 2nd nobody and he never moves, it’s been a long long year.
Once again with 2 strikes Burns threw a pitch over the plate. That happened on thr first batter of this inning as well. You just don’t do that. Maybe he is not locating well. You don’t throw the ball over the plate with 2 strikes.
I’m enjoying Rizzo and Joey (and Cowboy) but I am NOT enjoying this game one bit. Bottom line from what I’m seeing is they hit, we don’t. That’s kind of the theme of our 2026 season. I know it makes me a Debbie Downer, but at some point you just have to fold, count what chips you have left, and walk away from the table.
On that note, I’m done commenting tonight, friends. I’ll keep the game on for a while, but I’m shutting the laptop down.
Y’all are the best. And Doug deserves a Purple Heart for this season.
Peace out.
PCA is the Mvp over Ohtani in my opinion.
The biggest difference between the Reds and their opponents is that, not only tonight, is they fail to get key hits with runners on base! Been a problem all season!
Can’t even make contact on 93 MPH fastballs!!
Yep, Sal failed in the 1st. He has got to learn. LOL (sarcasm.)
That has been the Achilles heel for the reds all year.
Didn’t PCA make a strange comment wondering if Babe Ruth really existed or just a made-up story?
Joey Votto has never ate Nachos?
Wow.
This is the Reds offense we have seen all year – sad.
The cubs pitcher is really good. *shrug*
Since Burns was just under 140 innings pitched coming into this game, I’m assuming this will be his last or next to last start?
I read that the plan for him is to finish out the year but limit his pitches and how far he goes in the game.
Suarez knew the splitter is coming and took it for ball 4. Will McLain learn to lay off that pitch in his next AB?
Rodriguez!!!! 3 run homerun
Hector!!!!!!!!!!!! 3-2 good guys.
That Hector kid can hit!
HJR unleashed
Thank you HRod. Needed that.
That is Hector’s 30th home run of the year, counting Louisville.
He mashed in Louisville. He’s fun to watch hit.
31 if I’m not wrong
A little left on left assault by HRod.
Not saying he’s solved lefties, but he’s learning.
I like HRod a lot better than Marte already. Right now RF is his to lose next year.
Imanaga underrated H-Rod inssisting with curveballs against him…H-Rod is maturing so quickly!
Yes, I saw that 😀
You’re not commenting. 😉
Nice! Rodriguez just has that burst of power, fun to watch when he connects.
Votto for GM?
Hector earning himself a spot on next years roster ….keep playing the guy the rest of the year ! He’s figuring it out at this level .
That was on Mclain
LAZY EFFORT BY MCLAIN !
How is that an error on Rodriguez? Should be on McLain
Anytime and every time the ball hits the ground the error goes to the thrower.
Yes it should – ALL DAY LONG
I mean error should be on McLain as Hanawi stated … weak as water effort
Seems like that ball should have been knocked down by either McLain or EDLC.
What a shame to give that run right back. But the grass has gotta be wet and slick.
I agree that it seemed like Mclain gave a very halfhearted effort.
That was a embarrassing play, but I think from the slick grass the ball probably takes off. May be a good game here overall. It’s been interesting listening to Votto, Rizzo, Brantley.
View from behind HRod, the ball tailed about 20 feet, then skipped off the wet grass, tipped by MMC, and away from Elly. Ball off wet grass doesn’t bounce…it skips.
That’s how I saw it.
The error will always go the thrower on a ball that bounces, like in that situation.
At least, they didn’t give back the lead. Chase regrouped.
Ok Myers way to take the lead back!
Again, H-Rod is a keeper!
Dane gets the lead back. Nice.
Way to turn on the jets, Elly!
Sal is due…
Man would love for Votto to take place of the slackarsa otherwise known as Krall /Meador … knows the game way more than those two clueless do nothings ever will..
Slackards…
Players aren’t GM’s….different skillset.
Doesn’t mean I don’t want a new one though.
Why not !!!?? He’s a former player that has been in this organization his entire career . He’d be way better than either of those two clowns right now …
Gabe Kapler …. Miami Marlins
Buster Posey ….
Posey actually president of baseball
Operations … but you get the point. I do agree with you 1000% that I would like a change too … even if not Votto
Posey actually president of baseball operations …. You get the point though . I do agree with you that I would 1000% like a change … Votto or not
One thing about Votto that is very important. He would have the “CLOUT” to stand up to Bob and Phil C. and make them think twice before meddling or not giving him what he wants.
My guess is Votto doesn’t like Krall either in what he’s doing which is a plus in my book. 😀
Can’t disagree with that Melvin … great point !
Thinking about it Votto and Tito might make a good team.
Again. Need to keep ahold of our catcher Stephenson.
Tyler Stephenson getting in on the fun. 6-3 Redlegs.
Reds are showing up, making me look bad and that’s ok.
Wow suarez hammered that one scary as a pitcher yikes!
Other than the splitter Imanaga is a below a way below average pitcher. Reds are teeing off in his low 90 fastballs, except for Sal. How funny this game is.
Baseball at Wrigley Field. I prefer day games, but night games are fun, too. In my 40 years living in the Chicago area, I saw more than 100 games there. Mostly versus the Reds but some others, too. Notably the 23-22 game in June 1979.
Baseball as it should be played, watched, and enjoyed.
PS it isn’t over yet.
In the 2020 draft, the Reds took Austin Hendrick at #12. PCA went to the Mets at #19.
Although that hurts, imagine being a Mets fan. The Mets traded PCA for 2 months of Javier Baez. Ouch.
And traded Hector Rodriguez to the reds for Tyler Naquin.
Ouch indeed.
What a trade for the Cubs
Mistakes are made. Tom Seaver was drafted in the 10th round in 1965. Nolan Ryan in the 12th round. Johnny Bench was the 8th catcher drafted that year.
The Reds drafted Mike Miley SS from Louisiana in 1971. A few picks later, Mike Schmidt and George Brett (both SS at the time) were drafted back-to-back.
Chad Mottola, OF, University of Central Florida, was Reds 1st round pick at #5 in 1992. Legendary scout Gene Bennett strongly urged the Reds to draft high school shortstop Derek Jeter. Instead, Cincinnati passed on Jeter and chose Mottola. The New York Yankees then selected Jeter right after at No. 6.
Mistakes go both ways. SFG didn’t realize George Foster’s potential. HOU didn’t understand Joe Morgan’s full value.
Problem is the Reds don’t understand the value of some of the key guys they find? I’m convinced they win a WS with Josh Hamilton and the guys we had. I guess Brandon Phillips didn’t like him or they were scared of his personal flaws happening again? Idk?
Well said Oldtimer! Getting Morgan from Houston was huge and instrumental in the BRM’s 1975 & 1976 World Series wins! A lot of people focus (obsess) on game 6 of the WS when Carlton Fisk hit the HR for Boston’s win but forget that Morgan was the key to winning Game 7 and that WS!
Sal flashing leather!
Someone going to give Stephenson a nice contract after this season
Burns retired in order and I think he will go for the 6th…he shouldn’t at this point but I think Tito will let him one more frame…
One more inning for Burns. Is Trevino getting loose in the bullpen. =)
Caleb meant bidness.
Get in front of the ball Elly.
Our 2 stars ain’t doing anything good under Sunday night baseball light
Elly has two hits and scored.
And Burns looks good too!
Just can’t seem to get thru a game without the Reds defense committing a silly error! Errors, like walks, put added pressure on the pitcher! Both are preventable yet unpredictable!
Burns at 100 pitches and battling!
17 errors for Elly now…at what point do you consider another position? I didn’t think he was bad at 3B. His length/quickness could keep some balls from going down the line.
Really happy with Burns tonight after it looked like he was wearing down recently…did himself proud tonight
Yes he did ! Dude is a bulldog …
Nice game by Burns…the defense has some miscues and didn’t help but the offense gave him a good runs support today…
Burke does the job! Keeps the lead at 3 runs!
Good game, Chase. Your night is through. Looking at the Reds bullpen, that’s a scary thought.
Almost as scary when I look in the mirror at night at this 73-year-old wrinkled face!
How about 3 or 4 more insurance runs?
Where are the “Chase Burns is gassed”…”shut him down” peeps tonight?
Reds probably would not mind signing Stephenson but Reds probably not for the length of time Stephenson would want
Sal one step closer to ROY.
Indeed. Best Reds hitter too. Love his zone awareness. Love his fire and drive to be the best.
Sal says yes I’m rookie of the year!
Actual real-world results mean nothing. 31 homers? 100-plus RBIs? Who cares? JJ is several wins above an imaginary teammate.
I heard ’em say that Wetherholt is injured, and so the way to ROY is open for Sal.
I whined aboit Sal tonight so much he hit a HR to shut me up. I take it
Catch that one hotdog !!!!!!
Thank you, Sal!
SalbertSalvotto 😀 I’m not sure he’s ROY though. 😉
He’s not done yet.
Stephenson ending up having a nice season after a rough start with the bat
Sometimes when you watch this team it is hard to figure out what the heck happened.
May and June happened. The bullpen imploded. Etc etc
Stewart with 31 homers …wow extend him please ….and while they’re at it resign Ty Steve ….
Yes!
It’s possible he might get 40. That would be cool.
Think the Reds might have missed signing him for a fair amount less amount of money by not signing him earlier this year. Possibly another mistake by the front office. But also still have him Lord willing for 5 more full seasons.
EDLC is coming out of the game. Is something wrong with him?
“Left quad tightness” according to Thrall.
Man I’m not so sure Sal can’t catch the Great Frank Robinson with 38 home runs. Plenty of season yet.
He absolutely CAN. Still 25 games left after tonight. 7 or 8 more HR can be done.
36 for Robinson, unless it was misquoted.
It’s 38 for Robby in 1956.
Elly exits early …watch him out…
Sit down Punk Crow Armstrong !
He is a very easy player to dislike.
I hope De La Cruz is ok. Stephenson making himself more money I think as an offseason free agent with his power display recently. I don’t think it’s with the Reds though.
Left quad tightness. Is why Elly is out.
I thought something wasn’t good when Imanaga tried to pick him up and he stayed on the ground more time than usual
Burke’s a keeper as well.
I’m guessing when Elly busted it down the line on the infield hit.
Hope it’s not a quad or groin.
He seemed a bit lackadaisical on that muffed grounder, not exactly fully going down to get it.. Could be some strain and dog days exhaustion. I think he hit a bit of a wall last year too around this time.
Great effort, Brock. 6 more outs. More insurance please.
Good job by Burke! Especially the SO of PCA!
Elly’s leg injuries starting to be something to watch in his career here. He has such a big frame, hopefully doesn’t become more of a consistent injury issue in his career.
Big crowds and we play pretty well usually. Our small crowds or scattered people reading books in DC and we play like garbage. Thats concentration. You have to make your own motivation and excitement
Wild that Reds pitchers have given up 28 runs this series yet the Reds are on the cusp of winning the series.
And all 7 runs came via the home run.
H-Rod and Arroyo swung to everything Civale threw… They should stop that approach…
Let’s see the good Luis.
The LaRosa’s Pizza strike out promotion will be back another year as Brantley just gave them a plug on National TV.
Buckle up. Need to get through the 8th inning with the lead.
Win first. But then, tonight is the 12th game where Reds hit 4 or more HR in the game. If I listened to WLW 700 correctly, that would be an MLB record going back to 1900.
I may be wrong, but I think that’s what I heard.
If HRod is going to be an everyday player, leave him in Tito. Friedl is of no value for the future.
Sac fly. We’ll take it. 7-4. 2 outs.
WTG, Luis.
Arroyo looking pretty rough at the plate. I’d say play him every day the rest of the way though, give him the experience.
Could the Reds get that run back in the 9th?
Stewart even gets mistake hits.
It’s like a good shooter in basketball. You get the roll. 😉
Let’s go, Emiliooooooo
PCA makes me sick.
ATOBTTR.
Reds win!
Take the series from the stupid Cubs.
2-1 during the Impossible 28.
Reds shine on Sunday Night Baseball at Wrigley. A couple errors but otherwise they look like contenders, when we know they aren’t.
Joey Votto said he never ate a nacho in his life !
They showed the play were the ball fell out of the ivy when Bleday made a catch in left. Sh*t like that just doesn’t happen.
Great to see the Reds win the series in Chicago.
Pagán saved the game despite allowing another homer to PCA… Reds win the series against the Cubs at Wrigley field… They arrived at Chicago after have lost the series against the Giants… I don’t know what to expect from the Reds sometimes…
Hope Elly will be good and back to play soon …
Reds are 22-20 post ASG. Better than May and June.
Sal – a rookie . Just listened to his post game interview — dude just gets it . Team player all the way … glad he’s a RED ! Gonna be a force for many years to come .
Good balance by Reds tonight. Seven different Reds scored. Eight different Reds had hits.