The Reds might have finally put the bit between their teeth by winning the opener of this crucial 4-game set vs. the Cubs, as Hunter Greene spun a 1-hitter last night. Still two games to make up on the Mets for the last NL wild card, but Friday starter Nick Lodolo has usually pitched well enough to get the Reds into the middle innings with a chance. In his last two starts vs the Cubs, he's spun 7 2/3 shutout innings (left August 4 start early--blisters). Meanwhile, the Cubs could be excused for relaxing after wrapping up a playoff berth Wednesday in Pittsburgh, and Shota Imanaga hasn't been especially sharp on the mound lately (4.76 ERA in three September starts). Play Reds on Money Line

Really same deal as Thursday in that the Cubs have nothing to play for essentially locked into the NL's top WC seed, while Cincinnati has to have it for its playoff chances. And we don't even need a win. Reds starter Nick Lodolo has been a little hit or miss but has a 2.13 ERA in three starts this year vs. CHC. And the entire bullpen is ready behind him thanks to Hunter Greene's complete game on Thursday to cash for us. The Cubs looked like they didn't much care with one hit.