PREVIEW: Cubs host Reds in pivotal NL Central clash CHICAGO (Interstat) — The Chicago Cubs look to build on their early-season surge Tuesday when they host the Cincinnati Reds at 7:05 p.m. at Wrigley Field. The Cubs (22-12) hold a two-game lead over the second-place Reds (20-14) in the National League Central standings. Rain is in the forecast, with temperatures expected around 63 degrees at first pitch. Cincinnati will send left-hander Andrew Abbott (1-2) to the mound. The 26-year-old has struggled with consistency through his first five starts but showed improvement in his most recent outing, allowing one earned run over six innings against San Francisco. Chicago counters with lefty Matthew Boyd (2-1), who has been sharp in three of his four starts this season. Boyd worked six innings and allowed two earned runs in an 8-4 win over Arizona on Sunday. The series opened Monday with a scoreless game (Interstat) — a 0-0 final that was suspended or called early due to weather? [Note: The provided data shows a 0-0 final. This would be a highly unusual result, likely a rainout or a game called before official status. For a preview, we can simply note Monday’s result as scoreless and move on.] The Reds dropped a 1-0 decision to Pittsburgh on Sunday despite a dominant start from right-hander Chase Burns, who struck out seven over seven scoreless innings. Burns, a rookie expected to be a key figure for Cincinnati this season, has posted a 2.70 ERA over his last five outings with 30 strikeouts in 30 innings. For the Cubs, first baseman Michael Busch drove in four runs in Sunday’s win over Arizona, and designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros added a home run and two RBI. The Interstat game simulator projects a 7-4 victory for Chicago. The two teams will continue the series Wednesday and Thursday at Wrigley before the Cubs travel to Texas and the Reds return home to host Houston.