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Reds manager Baker returns to Wrigley Field

Apr 15, 2008 - 1:52 PM Cincinnati (6-7) at Chicago Cubs (7-5) 8:05 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Dusty Baker makes his return to Wrigley Field on Tuesday when the Cincinnati Reds open a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.

Baker managed the Cubs for four years beginning with the 2003 season and enjoyed mild success before his contract was not renewed the following the 2006 campaign.

After finishing fifth or worst in the National League Central Division in three of the previous four years, Baker led Chicago to the 2003 division title and the NL Championship Series in his first season as manager.

However, after a heart-breaking loss in the NLCS, Baker failed to lead the Cubs back to the playoffs over the next three seasons and left after Chicago finished last in the NL with a 66-96 record in 2006.

Following a year away from baseball, Baker returned this season to manage the Reds, who were swept by the the Pittsburgh Pirates over the weekend.

Staff ace Aaron Harang (1-1, 2.14 ERA) tries to get Cincinnati back on track when he toes the rubber on Tuesday. The 29-year-old righthander allowed just one run and five hits in eight innings en route to a 4-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday.

The Cubs counter with righthander Ryan Dempster (1-0, 0.69), who has been stellar since rejoining the rotation after spending the better part of the last three seasons in the bullpen.