Chicago Cubs BLAST Cincinnati Reds Bullpen in Series LOSS LIVE MLB Postgame Show Podcast Highlights

Nick Kirby and Austin Layton will be LIVE in the 9th inning. The Chicago Cubs face the Cincinnati Reds in the finale of a three-game National League Central series on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio. First pitch for the matinee is slated for 1:40 p.m. EDT.

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Entering the contest, the Cubs hold a solid 53-42 record, positioning them firmly in the division race, while the Reds look to improve on a 43-51 mark. The rubber match features a divisional pitching clash between lefties, with Chicago handing the ball to veteran southpaw Matthew Boyd (4-1, 4.31 ERA). Boyd is expected to counter Reds starter Andrew Abbott (5-5, 3.92 ERA), who will be looking to neutralize a potent Cubs lineup.

Chicago’s offense is carrying momentum into the break, bolstered by outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who represents the team at the upcoming All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Against Abbott, the Cubs will rely on familiar bats like Dansby Swanson, who has historically hit the young lefty well. However, Cincinnati's pitching staff has already shown they can shut down Chicago this weekend, as demonstrated by their strong opening shutout.

Oddsmakers are projecting a tight matchup, with the Cubs entering as slight favorites on the moneyline at roughly -126 odds. The over/under for total runs scored is set at 9.5. Fans can catch the action locally on MARQ (Marquee Sports Network) or listen to the radio broadcast. Following this matchup, teams across the league will head into the All-Star break before returning to resume their regular season schedules on Friday.