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Lilly takes mound as Cubs hope to end skid

Sep 5, 2008 - 10:25 AM Chi Cubs (85-55) at Cincinnati (62-78) 7:10 p.m. EDT

CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- On their path to the postseason, the Chicago Cubs have hit a few unexpected bumps in the road.

Chicago hopes to snap a season-high five-game losing streak Friday when it visits the Cincinnati Reds.

The recent skid comes on the heels of a seven-game winning streak, although the Cubs still own the majors' best record.

However, Chicago is also hoping to be at full strength should it secure a postseason spot, and the Cubs are breathing a sigh of relief after an MRI revealed ace righthander Carlos Zambrano has rotator cuff tendinitis and should return in about 10 days. Rich Harden will also have his start skipped with shoulder discomfort but he insists it's nothing serious.

With the top of the rotation banged up, Ted Lilly (13-8, 4.23 ERA) will take the hill hoping to turn things around.

The lefthander has alternated wins and losses in his last four starts and is coming off a defeat in his last outing, where he allowed three runs in 6 2/3 innings to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday. Lilly has struggled against Cincinnati this season, going 0-3 with a 6.32 ERA in three starts.

The Reds will counter with Bronson Arroyo (13-10, 4.97)as the righthander looks to win his fourth consecutive start.

Arroyo gave up two runs over seven innings in a victory against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday. The righthander has won both of his starts against the Cubs this season.