The Cincinnati Reds gave up two sloppy runs in the eighth and are on pace to be shut out 25 times this season.

Michael Busch homered and drove in three runs, helping Jameson Taillon and the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 7-3.

Suffice it to say that wasn't how the Cincinnati Reds wanted to start a stretch of six games against the Chicago Cubs between now and June 1.

Cincinnati Reds (29-29, fourth in the NL Central) vs. Chicago Cubs (35-22, first in the NL Central) Chicago; Saturday, 1:20 p.m. CDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Reds: Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.39 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 55 strikeouts);

Drew Pomeranz, Ben Brown, Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia combined on a one-hitter, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-0.

The Cincinnati Reds meet the Chicago Cubs as the NL Central foes swing into a 3-game set at Wrigley Field with a Friday matinee.

Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong beats the throw to Reds second baseman Matt McLain to steal second in the seventh inning May 31, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Cincinnati Reds LHP Nick Lodolo lowered his season ERA to 3.10 with six scoreless innings, pitching around traffic all day against the Cubs.

With heavy heart after sister's death, Elly honors her with homer CHICAGO -- Elly De La Cruz ... matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds with odds over/under, game spread ...