CINCINNATI (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs will look to rebound from a tough shutout loss and maintain their grip on a playoff position when they continue a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Great American Ball Park.

The Cubs (88-65) saw their three-game winning streak snapped in a 1-0 pitchers’ duel on Thursday. Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene threw a complete-game, one-hit shutout, outdueling Chicago’s Colin Rea, who allowed one run over seven strong innings with 11 strikeouts.

Despite the loss, the Cubs have won eight of their last 12 games as they battle for a National League wild-card spot.

The Reds (77-76), officially eliminated from postseason contention with Thursday’s win, will play the role of spoiler in the season’s final week. They have won three of their last five games.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a high-scoring affair, favoring the Cubs 7-5. The analytics system gives Chicago a 54.9% probability to win. Betting markets also favor the Cubs, installing them as a -1.5 run favorite with an over/under of 8.5 runs.

The season series has been closely contested, with the Cubs holding a 6-5 edge over the Reds in 2025. The teams have split their six meetings in Cincinnati, with the home side winning four of those games, including the last two.

Following this contest, the two clubs will meet twice more over the weekend to conclude their season series. The Cubs then return to Wrigley Field for a seven-game homestand against the New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals to finish the regular season. The Reds will host the Pittsburgh Pirates for three games before ending their year with a three-game road trip to Milwaukee.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. EDT.