Crunchin' numbers: Reds @ Cubs

The Reds and the Cubs hate each other. Period.

And today, Cincinnati travels to Wrigley Field to begin a three game series with Chicago, the nearly-NL Central champs versus those who hang only above Houston.

The Cubs have had a dismal year, yes, but still this game is one of the most-hyped matchups for the Reds all season, minus the Cardinals. So, on such an occasion, and to keep the rivalry blood flowing, we at Queen City Sports thought it best to provide a little statistical history before tonight's 8:05 p.m. first pitch.

Stats n' such (www.statsheet.com)

- The last time these two met, the Reds won by a single run.

- Head to head this season, the Reds are 9-4 against the Cubbies.

- Reds overall record is now 88-59, with the Cubs at 58-89. Ironic?

- Cincy is 41-26 in the NL Central, while Chicago is 29-43.

- Cubs are 36-36 at Wrigley Field this year.

- Reds have hit 166 home runs to the Cubs' 125.

- On the mound, Cincy pitchers have struck out 41 more batters.

- Cincinnati's team earned run average is 3.44, Chicago's 4.46.

- The Reds have 81 fielding errors to Chicago's 96.

- Over the past five years, the Reds have a .516 winning percentage versus the Cubs' .484.

- Over the past ten years, the Cubs have a .493 winning percentage versus the Reds' .486

- Cincinnati has beat Chicago by eight or more runs on 17 occasions since 1986.

- In games decided by one run between the Reds and Cubs, Cincy has won 68 of 117.

- The Cubs Opening Day payroll was $125,480,664 compared to the Reds' $76,181,365.

- There are 13 Cubbies in Cooperstown to the Reds' seven.

- The Reds have won five World Series to Chicago's two.

And for the grand finale, every Cincinnati fan's favorite: The Reds have been to more World Series since 1969 (Reds 5 v. Cubs 0). The Cubs have not been to the World Series since 1945, and have not won since 1908. The Reds' last World Series appearance was 1990 with a victory over the heavily favored Oakland Athletics.