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Cubs, Reds conclude set at Wrigley

(Sports Network) - The Cubs have some unwelcome company at the top of the National League Central standings. Chicago will attempt to distance themselves tonight from that company in the finale of a three-game series with the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs fell to the Reds 5-2 on Tuesday, falling into a tie with Milwaukee atop the Central standings. The Brewers, who defeated Houston yesterday, has played two fewer games than Chicago this season.

Aaron Harang (16-4) pitched seven strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits with six strikeouts to help the Reds snap a three-game losing streak. Edwin Encarnacion homered in the victory.

Tom Shearn will attempt to remain undefeated this season in his first-ever start against the Cubs when he toes the rubber for the Reds tonight. Shearn, who spent 12 seasons in the minor leagues before finally hitting the majors, is 3-0 through five games (four starts) with a 4.15 earned run average.

The right-hander picked up a win in his last start on Friday in Milwaukee, holding the Brewers to three runs on four hits over 6 2/3 innings of work.

Shearn is the first Reds pitcher to begin his career with three straight wins since reliever Todd Coffey went 4-0 in 2005. He is the first starter to do since Tom Browning won his first three decisions, spread out over the 1984 and 1985 seasons.

Ted Lilly will try to win his career high 16th game of the season when he goes for the Cubs tonight. Lilly, who won 15 games with Toronto last season, improved to 15-7 when he defeated St. Louis on September 10. He was last in action on Saturday, again facing the Cardinals, and got a no-decision after giving up two runs and four hits over six innings, lowering his ERA average to 3.82.

The left-hander, who will be pitching on three days' rest for just the second time in his career, is 1-1 with 4.00 ERA in three career starts against the Reds.

Jacque Jones drove in both Chicago runs and Carlos Zambrano suffered the loss yesterday after he allowed four runs on seven hits over 5 1/3 innings. Zambrano (16-13) struck out one and walked three batters.

The Cubs lost for only the second time in their last eight games overall.

The Reds are 8-6 against the Cubs this season and have won five of eight in the Windy City.

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