The Chicago Cubs return home Friday for a pivotal week-long, eight-game homestand that includes a series with the red-hot Milwaukee Brewers. Before the National League Central leaders pay a visit, however, the Cubs will host the slumping Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Cubs on Thursday completed a 2-4 road trip against the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays, ending with a 2-1 loss in Toronto on Thursday when a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. two-run home run in the seventh erased the Cubs' lead.

Colin Rea (9-5, 4.09 ERA) hopes to carry over his strong outing from last Saturday as he takes the mound for the Cubs in the Friday afternoon series opener. The right-hander allowed one run over six innings in a 9-1 victory at St. Louis. He gave up three hits and two walks while striking out six in the only

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