Cincinnati Reds starter Andrew Abbott (8-2) lost for the first time since June 4 and allowed four earned runs for only the fourth time in 20 starts.

BOTTOM LINE: The Cincinnati Reds lead 1-0 in a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. Chicago is 35-21 in home games and 65-47 overall. Cubs hitters are batting a collective .254, the fourth-best team batting average in MLB play.

Chicago Cubs reliever Andrew Kittredge took the loss in his third appearance since being acquired at the trade deadline. He gave up four runs in the seventh inning.

The Chicago Cubs play against the Cincinnati Reds in an MLB game tonight. Fans can watch this game for free online.

The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs meet in the second game of their three-game set Tuesday with both teams in the MLB playoff picture. The Reds, who won 3-2 in the opener thanks to TJ Friedl's RBI single in the seventh inning,