Sep 17, 2007, 15:10 GMT
- The National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs will try to extend -- or at least maintain -- their slim lead in the standings when they kick off a three-game series tonight against the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cubs have won five of their last six, but their 4-2 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday only helped them keep pace with Milwaukee in the standings. The Brewers defeated the Reds yesterday, keeping Chicago's edge for first place at one game.
Matt Murton blasted a three-run homer to highlight a four-run third frame in Sunday's victory, while Geovany Soto finished 4-for-5. Jason Marquis (12-8) held the Cardinals to five hits and one run in 6 1/3 innings, fanning four and walking two.
Taking the hill for the Cubs tonight will be Rich Hill, who was excellent in his last start. Hill picked up the win to improve to 9-8 with a 3.91 earned run average after allowing only one run on three hits and three walks in a victory over Houston on Wednesday. He worked seven innings, striking out seven batters.
The left-hander is 2-2 in six games (five starts) with a 4.30 ERA in his career against the Reds. That includes a no-decision against the club on July 27 this season.
Adam Dunn and Edwin Encarnacion each knocked in a run for Cincinnati in its 5-2 loss the Brewers on Sunday. Matt Belisle (8-9) surrendered five runs on six hits over six frames while tying a career high with nine strikeouts for the Reds, who have dropped two in a row since winning four straight.
Bronson Arroyo will try to win his third straight start when he toes the rubber for the Reds tonight. Arroyo beat Milwaukee on September 7 before turning in an excellent outing on Wednesday against the Cardinals. He held St. Louis to only one run on six hits over six innings, and didn't walk a batter while striking out five.
Arroyo, who has a 3.57 ERA since the All-Star break, is 9-14 with a 4.31 ERA this season.
The right-hander is 0-2 against the Cubs this year despite a 2.53 ERA against them through three starts. He is 4-5 with a 2.76 ERA in 13 games (11 starts) in his career against Chicago.
The Reds are 7-5 against the Cubs this season and have won four of six in the Windy City.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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