Sizzling Nick Senzel and the Reds battle the Cubs in the not-so-friendly confines of Wrigley Field

Has the impossible happened, Reds Country? The Cincinnati Reds (25-47), after starting the 2022 season 0-7 in the state of California, not only won a game, but they took two of three from the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park to capture the series. In addition, Cincinnati captured the season series from the Giants as well.

Following a winless six-game homestand, could the Reds possibly return to Great American Ball Park on the heels of a winning road trip? Not only is it possible, but it's also likely. That's because their opponent for the next three days is atrocious at home.

The Reds roll into the Windy City looking for another series win.

Of course, I'm referring to the Chicago Cubs (28-45), who sit just a mere 2.5 games ahead of the Reds for fourth place in the National League Central. However, Wrigley Field has hardly been the Friendly Confines for the North Siders.

Chicago is a miserable 13-25 at home and has walked off the field victorious in a series just once over the last six weeks at Wrigley. Much of the Cubbies' woes can squarely be placed on the starting rotation.

Entering play today, the Cubs' starting rotation has compiled an unsightly 5.06 ERA. Three of the four Cubs starters who have made at least nine starts this year have an ERA north of 4.59, and the one who does not, Drew Smyly, is currently on the IL with a right oblique strain.

In all fairness, injuries have ravaged the Chicago rotation. Smyly, Marcus Stroman, and former Reds left-hander Wade Miley are on the IL. Unfortunately for the North Siders, only Smyly may return before the All-Star break as both Stroman and Miley battle ailments in their pitching shoulders.

This will be the first of three trips for the Reds to the Windy City this season. The two clubs split a four-game set in the Queen City earlier this season. Look for Reds legend Joey Votto to have an excellent series. In 112 career games at Wrigley Field, the future Hall of Famer is slashing .319/.422/.596 with a ridiculous 1.018 OPS to go along with 23 homers and 69 RBIs.