Fri May 23 21:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Reds and Cubs Clash in Crucial NL Central Showdown**

CINCINNATI, OH – The Chicago Cubs travel to Cincinnati this weekend to face the Reds in a pivotal divisional series that could significantly impact the NL Central standings. For the Reds, currently sitting in third place after a recent slump, a series victory is crucial to stay in contention for the division crown.

The Reds will lean heavily on their strong starting pitching rotation, led by the return of Hunter Greene (4-2, 2.36 ERA). Greene, along with lefties Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.22 ERA) and Andrew Abbott (3-0, 1.80 ERA), will face a Cubs offense that has struggled against left-handed starters (6-5 vs LH starters vs. 24-15 vs RH starters), despite a solid .827 OPS vs LHP overall.

However, Cincinnati’s offense has been inconsistent. While capable of explosive performances, they’ve been shut out eight times this season and have struggled to generate sustained momentum, particularly against left-handed pitching.

The Cubs, yet to face the Reds this season, bring Matthew Boyd (4-2, 2.98 ERA) to the mound on Friday for the series opener against Hunter Greene. Colin Rea (3-0, 2.38 ERA) will face Andrew Abbott on Saturday, and Ben Brown (3-3, 5.44 ERA) will face Nick Lodolo on Sunday. This will be the first series where the Cubs face two left-handed starters.

The game will be at Cincinnati:
* Friday at 5:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
* Saturday at 3:10 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network
* Sunday at 12:40 p.m. CT, Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (outside the Cubs and Reds market territories)

Following the series, the Cubs will return to Wrigley Field to host the Colorado Rockies.

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