(My Sportsbook) - Doomed once again to the role of spoilers, the Reds are at least embracing their duty. Cincinnati tries to hand the Chicago Cubs a seventh straight loss tonight in the middle portion of a three-game series at Great American Ball Park.

At 63-78, the Reds aren't going to the postseason for a 13th straight season. However, the future in Cincinnati is bright after Friday's 10-2 win in this series opener.

Jay Bruce hit a grand slam -- the first of his career -- and Joey Votto homered for a third straight game to lift the Reds. Votto's blast was a two- run shot and he finished with three RBI and two runs scored in the victory, the Reds' fifth in seven games.

Koyie Hill doubled and knocked in a run for the Cubs, who began a nine-game road trip by extending their losing streak to a season-high six games. Ted Lilly took the loss, while Jon Lieber served up Bruce's grand slam.

Chicago has been shutout twice, and despite leading the league in runs scored has crossed the plate just 14 times during its current skid.

Also, the first-place Cubs' lead in the National League Central fell to four games over Milwaukee.

The top home team in the NL, the Cubs have won six of nine versus the Reds at home this year, but are just 1-3 at Great American Ball Park.

Chicago turns to Jason Marquis tonight. The right-hander suffered a tough-luck loss last time out to halt a three-decision winning streak, taking the loss versus Houston on Monday despite allowing just two runs on five hits over six innings of a 3-0 setback. Marquis also struck out a season-high eight.

Marquis is 9-8 with a 4.46 earned run average this year, but his ERA in 11 road starts is much better at 3.12. He is 5-3 away from the Windy City.

The 30-year-old has yet to face the Reds this year, but is 5-3 lifetime against them with a 5.06 ERA in 13 games (12 starts).

Reds rookie Johnny Cueto takes the hill tonight for the first time since August 24 in Colorado. Cueto lasted just three innings on that day, allowing an unearned run on three walks and zero hits. He has given up just two earned runs in his last three outings, but was sidelined due to a right elbow ailment.

The 22-year-old righty is 8-12 with a 4.65 ERA this year and 1-2 with a 3.66 ERA versus the Cubs. He lost to them on August 19 despite seven innings of one-run ball.