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Cubs, Reds Both Sputtering Entering Three-Game Set
As May attracts to a nearby, both the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds are anxious to turn the page on a troublesome month. Each group will hope to end their battles with a success as the Offspring host the Reds for a three-game series beginning Friday. This MLB standoff is critical for the two groups expecting to recover their balance.
Cubs’ Struggles in May
The Cubs have had a tough go of it in May, posting a 10-17 record. They have lost eight of their past ten games and ten of their past thirteen, including a 6-4 defeat to the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday. This recent loss dropped them to a 28-29 record, putting them below .500 for the first time since March 31, just three games into the season. This is a stark contrast from the beginning of the month when they were six games above .500 and just half a game behind the division-leading Brewers.
Manager Craig Counsell remains hopeful despite the rough stretch. “We’re in a tough stretch,” Counsell said. “When you’re in a tough stretch, it feels like you don’t get breaks. We’ve got to make our own breaks. And we’ll keep doing that.”
The loss to the Brewers marked the Cubs’ fifth straight series defeat. Despite hitting three home runs in the series finale, the Cubs couldn’t clinch the win. They had won every game this season in which they hit at least three home runs, making this loss particularly frustrating.
Outfielder Seiya Suzuki expressed the team’s resolve, saying through an interpreter, “The hard thing about baseball is that things don’t really go your way. But it’s just fighting through it. And I think we’re all trying to work together to get those wins little by little. It’s all about staying persistent, and just keep on working.”
Javier Assad Takes the Mound
Javier Assad (4-1, 2.17 Period) will begin for the Cubs on Friday. The right-hander has a strong record against Cincinnati, holding a 0-1 record with a 2.08 Period in five vocation appearances (three beginnings) against the Reds. In May, Assad has been especially viable, posting a 2-1 record with a 2.42 Period in five beginnings, with the Whelps dominating four of those matches.
Reds’ Troubles in May
The Reds have also had a rough month, going 8-18 in May. They currently sit last in the National League Central. A highlight was their series sweep against the NL West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, followed by a win against the St. Louis Cardinals, marking a season-high four-game winning streak. However, they have since lost two straight to the Cardinals, being outscored 12-4.
The Reds are nine games behind the division-leading Brewers and 4 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot, with several teams ahead of them. Third baseman Jeimer Candelario emphasized the importance of staying focused on the present. “Little by little. Day by day,” Candelario said. “We’ve just got to take care of our today.”
Upcoming Division Matchups
Friday’s game marks the beginning of the first of two series against Chicago over the next week, part of four upcoming series against division foes for Cincinnati. The Reds have had only two division matchups so far and have lost both. Outfielder Will Benson highlighted the significance of these games, saying, “When you’re playing in the division, these games are obviously a little more intense, a little bit more personal. I think we’re going to match that level of intensity. I hope we do. The intensity of these games (is) going to be like no other.”
Graham Ashcraft’s Challenge
Graham Ashcraft (4-3, 4.67 ERA) will start for the Reds. Ashcraft has struggled against the Cubs, allowing 30 runs on 34 hits, with 22 strikeouts, in six career games, resulting in a 1-5 record and a 9.45 ERA. This MLB matchup will be a significant test for Ashcraft as he looks to improve his record against Chicago.
Series Outlook
Both the Cubs and Reds are frantic for a circle back as they head into this series. With the two groups battling, this series gives an open door to one to pick up some truly necessary speed. The Cubs will hope to benefit from’s major areas of strength for Assad, while the Reds trust Ashcraft can defeat his battles against Chicago. With the two groups meaning to complete May on a high note, this MLB series vows to be a basic point for their seasons. Fans can expect a serious and extreme three-game set as the two groups endeavor to break liberated from their downturns.
