CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs host the Cincinnati Reds on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Wrigley Field in a matchup of two National League Central contenders. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. under cloudy skies and a game-time temperature of 63 degrees.

The Cubs (22-12) enter as the hotter team, winners of five of their past six games and holding the best record in the division. The Reds (20-14) have lost three straight after a 1-0 shutout loss Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Cincinnati sends right-hander Chase Burns to the mound. Burns (2-2, 2.90 ERA) took a hard-luck loss his last time out, allowing three hits and no earned runs over seven innings with seven strikeouts in a 1-0 defeat at Pittsburgh on May 3. He has been steady this season, allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his six starts, including a dominant six-inning, two-hit, four-strikeout outing against San Francisco on April 16.

Chicago counters with left-hander Matthew Boyd (2-1, 3.72 ERA). Boyd earned the win Sunday against Arizona, throwing six innings of four-hit, two-run ball with five strikeouts in an 8-4 Cubs victory. He has been effective at home, where he has posted a 2.84 ERA in three starts this season.

The Cubs’ offense is coming off a productive series against Arizona. Michael Busch drove in four runs Sunday, and designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros homered and drove in two. The Cubs have averaged 7.3 runs over their past three games.

The Reds’ lineup has struggled, scoring one run or fewer in three of their past four games. Catcher Jose Trevino had the lone hit Sunday against Pittsburgh, going 1-for-3.

Weather could play a factor. The forecast calls for clouds and a 15-mph wind blowing out to left field at Wrigley, which could benefit both offenses after two consecutive low-scoring games for Cincinnati.

Interstat’s game simulator projects a 7-5 Cubs victory. Chicago has been installed as a -1.5 favorite, with an over/under of 11 runs.

The teams continue the series Tuesday and Wednesday before the Reds host Houston and the Cubs travel to Texas.