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Reds turn to Volquez versus Cubs

Jun 7, 2011 - 2:59 PM (Sports Network) - Former staff ace Edinson Volquez returns from an impromptu stint in the minors tonight when the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs in the second of three games at Great American Ball Park.

A 17-game winner for the Reds in 2008, Volquez has struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness since, winning just 11 games in 31 starts since the 2009 season.

He was gashed for seven runs on seven hits in just 2 2/3 innings of a 12-4 interleague loss at Cleveland on May 22, prompting the brief demotion in which he started two games at Triple-A Louisville and allowed just three runs in 14 1/3 innings.

In 10 big-league starts this season, the 27-year-old Dominican has allowed more than three runs four times and lasted six innings just twice.

He is 3-0 in five career starts against the Cubs with a 2.43 earned run average in 29 2/3 innings.

The Reds got the series off to a successful start on Monday when Jonny Gomes had two hits, including a three-run homer, and four RBI in an 8-2 rout.

Mike Leake (5-2) pitched eight strong innings, allowing two runs while scattering 10 hits and a walk to help the Reds claim their fourth win in seven games.

Chicago's Matt Garza (2-5) made his first start since landing on the 15-day disabled list May 18 with a right elbow contusion. He allowed four runs on six hits and three walks in four innings as the Cubs' season-high losing streak reached seven games.

Veteran southpaw Doug Davis takes the mound for Chicago, making his 302nd major-league appearances and fifth of 2011.

Now 35, Davis has dropped decisions in each of his first four outings since joining the Cubs after spending 2010 with the Milwaukee Brewers.

He lasted a season-high 6 1/3 innings in his last start on June 1 against Houston, allowing eight hits and three runs in a 3-1 loss.

Davis has been touched for 24 hits and 17 runs across 19 2/3 innings and the Cubs have been outscored, 25-8, in games he's started.

A former 1996 draft pick of the Texas Rangers, Davis is 6-3 in 16 career starts against the Reds with a 3.31 earned run average.

Cincinnati has won five of six over Chicago this year and is 17-5 in this series since the start of the 2010 season. The Reds are 9-3 at home versus the Cubs in that span.