Friday marked the beginning of a stretch where the Reds play the National League Central-leading Cubs in six of the next nine games. Call it their first big test of this season, a chance to see where they stand against one of baseball's best offenses.

Hoerner recorded the first hit off Greene in the third with a softly hit double to left, but Greene retired the next batter and struck out Ian Happ to end the inning. Greene averaged 100 mph on his 48 four-seam fastballs and looked sharp until the two walks in the fourth.

The Cincinnati Reds activated right-hander Hunter Greene from the 15-day injured list to start Friday's home game against the Chicago Cubs. Greene, 25, has been sidelined with a right groin injury since exiting a game against the Atlanta Braves on May 7.