• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Arroyo tries to bounce back from rough outing

Sep 25, 2006 - 1:57 PM Chicago Cubs (63-93) at Cincinnati (76-79) 12:35 pm EDT

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Bronson Arroyo looks to avoid another poor outing when the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs in the finale of a four-game series Monday.

Arroyo (14-10, 3.38 ERA) was roughed up for seven runs, seven hits and four walks in 5 1/3 innings of a 7-2 loss to Houston last Wednesday, halting a personal four-game winning streak.

While attempting to rebound from that tough outing, the righthander will be looking to continue his stellar campaign against the Cubs. Arroyo is 4-0 with a 1.26 ERA in as many starts against Chicago this season.

After a 3-2 triumph Sunday, the Reds have captured at least a split of the series. Aaron Harang struck out nine en route to earning his fifth complete-game, tying him with Chris Carpenter and Brandon Webb for the National League lead. Pinch hitter Royce Clayton drove in the game-winning run with a single in the ninth.

The Cubs will try to salvage the split behind righthander Wade Miller (0-2, 4.97 ERA). Even though he has yet to earn a win this season, Miller is 7-2 lifetime with a 4.05 ERA in 14 appearances against Cincinnati, which he will be facing for the first time this year.

Miller was reached for two runs - one earned - and four hits in 4 2/3 frames of a 4-1 setback to Philadelphia on Tuesday. He struck out a season-high eight batters, but issued four walks.

Aramis Ramirez belted his 37th homer and rookie Buck Coats hit his first career shot for the Cubs, who squandered a 2-1 lead in the ninth Sunday.