This looks like a great spot to back the Chicago Cubs as they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Reds in the opener of a three-game series. They've had a day off since completing a three-game sweep of the Jays home at Wrigley over the weekend and are 8-2 in their last 10 games following an off day and 11-0 in their last 11 road games vs. a right-handed starter.

Here they'll face Homer Bailey (4-6, 8.44 ERA) who they knocked around for six runs in 5 2/3 innings home at Wrigley on August 16. I doubt he'll handle the Cubs much better home at Great American Ball Park where he's 0-4 with a 14.33 ERA(!) in four starts on the season.

The Cubs turn to John Lackey (10-9, 4.67 ERA) who limited the Reds to one run on four hits when pitching opposite Bailey earlier this month. The Cubs have won each of his last seven starts, and the Cubs are 15-5 in the last 20 meetings in Cincinnati.

My selection is an 8* play on Chicago Cubs RL.