The Cincinnati Reds benefited from a sterling pitching performance to begin their four-game series against the Chicago Cubs, then slugged a season-high five homers to take the second game, too.

Winners of three games in a row overall, the Reds will look to continue their pursuit of a postseason spot on Saturday evening when they host the Cubs.

Hunter Greene allowed just one hit in a complete-game gem during Cincinnati's 1-0 victory on Thursday before Spencer Steer belted two homers in a 7-4 triumph on Friday.

The Reds (78-76) remained two games in back of the Mets (80-74) in the race for the final wild-card spot in the National League after New York recorded a 12-6 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday.

"I'm not a math major, but I know we need to win," Cincinnati manager Ter

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