Cubs at Reds, Game 2 - Preview and Lineups

Tonight is exactly the kind of game that Trevor Bauer was brought in to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds. With team control only through the end of next season, the Reds coughed up quite the package to bring in the former Cleveland ace, and did so with an eye on contending within that very, very tight window, after all.

A quick glance at the standings in the National League shows the Reds sit just 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for the second Wild Card spot, and while there are certainly more envious positions in which they could find themselves, that’s still by no means anywhere near eliminated from the chase. Of course, another brutal loss to the Chicago Cubs tonight would sure put another dent in those hopes, so the Reds will be leaning heavily on Bauer to dazzle in his home debut - especially after leaning on the bullpen (and Kyle Farmer) for 6 dismal innings last night.

The Cubs, though, shelled out a nine figure contract to Yu Darvish just a year and a half ago for starts just like tonight’s. And while he’s not yet lived up to that billing, both he and the Cubs are right where they hoped to be at the outset of that deal, atop the NL Central and playing some of their best baseball of the year at precisely the time when they need to.

In other words, it’s August 9th and there’s a big, big game in GABP tonight. It starts at 7:10 PM ET, and if you’re anywhere within shouting distance, I sure hope you find a way there. In red, not in blue.

Go red. Go Reds. Boo blue.

Reds Lineup

Cubs Lineup