Chicago @ Cincinnati preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 17, 2012 ) Chi. Cubs 3, Cincinnati 7

The Cincinnati Reds are the only team in the majors to use only five starters this season, but that streak will come to an end when they host the Chicago Cubs in a day-night doubleheader Saturday at Great American Ball Park. Right-hander Todd Redmond is expected to be recalled from Triple-A Louisville to make his major-league debut in the nightcap. Redmond will have to be content with his second billing because the Reds will trot out ace Johnny Cueto in the opener.

Cueto will look to join Tampa Bay's David Price as the only 16-game winner in the majors. Cincinnati won the series opener Friday night to maintain a six-game lead over Pittsburgh atop the National League Central. Winners of six of their last seven, the Reds need one victory to become the first team in baseball to reach 40 home wins. Chicago has dropped 12 of 15 games in August and is sitting 25 games under .500 (46-71).

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, CSN (Chicago), FSOH (Cincinnati)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs RH Jeff Samardzija (8-10, 4.06 ERA) vs. Reds RH Johnny Cueto (15-6, 2.45)

Samardzija turned in one of his best efforts of the year last time out, matching a season high with 11 strikeouts and allowing one run on four hits in seven innings against the Houston Astros. Although he is 3-3 since July 2, Samardzija has permitted two runs or fewer in six of his eight starts. He won in Cincinnati on May 2, giving up only one run on three hits in 7 2/3 innings.

Cueto dominated the Cubs in Chicago on Sunday, throwing eight scoreless innings of three-hit ball. He has won six of his last seven starts overall and has been sensational at home, logging an 8-1 record with a 2.26 ERA and 1.09 WHIP in 10 starts. Cueto pitching in a matinee also does not bode well for the Cubs: He is 10-0 with a 1.55 ERA in 12 day games this year.

WALK-OFFS

1. Cincinnati LF Ryan Ludwick homered Friday night, his 23rd of the season and fourth during his current nine-game hitting streak.

2. Reds RF Jay Bruce has homered in four of his last five games.

3. Cincinnati owns the best record (25-9) in baseball since the All-Star break and is 22-9 since All-Star 1B Joey Votto was injured.