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CINCINNATI -- Its been about managing expectations this season for the Chicago Cubs. After a historic start, manager Joe Maddons club has stumbled a bit, losing six of 11.But in a run of fortune the ever-optimistic Maddon can appreciate, the rest of the crowd of National League Central contenders is sliding at precisely the same time.When you stub your toe, its good that everybody else is stubbing their toe at the same time, Maddon said. Its a long year, man.The Cubs (50-26) conclude a three-game series in Cincinnati on Wednesday afternoon. They then will travel to New York to face the Mets, who emphatically ended their dreams of a World Series appearance in last years NLCS.Maddon has kept his club on even-footing for much of this season. The key for any manager, he says, is maintaining a consistent approach himself.Anytime a group sees their leader walk in the same regardless of the circumstances, it lends itself to stability, he says.Following Tuesday nights eventful 7-2, 15-inning win over the Reds, the Cubs lead the second-place St. Louis Cardinals by 10 games in the Central.Kyle Hendricks takes the mound for the Cubs in Wednesdays series finale.Hes coming off a most unusual outing on Friday at Miami when he allowed just one hit through five innings, but that hit was a grand slam.According to Elias, Hendricks was the only pitcher since 1900 to complete at least five innings while allowing a grand slam as his only hit.Hendricks is 1-1 with a 4.34 ERA in five career starts against the Reds.Hell be in familiar territory on Wednesday. Hendricks made his major league debut at Great American Ball Park in 2014.Cincinnati (29-49) will counter with rookie left-hander Cody Reed wholl be making his third career start since debuting on June 18 at Houston. Reed who was acquired last July from the Kansas City Royals in the Johnny Cueto trade, is among the key elements of the Reds rebuilding project.Reed will be making his second start in front of the home crowd on Wednesday. He admitted to being a little nervous first time around on June 24.I threw a lot of pitches and I wasnt getting ahead in the count, said Reed, who also balked in a run. Maybe it was nerves. Usually, my slider works off my fastball, but I didnt have that good command. It was just an off night.The Cubs have had a few of those lately. But, with their fourth straight series win over Cincinnati assured, theyre looking to build some momentum after losing six of seven coming in.Thats why you cant get too frustrated when things dont go your way, Maddon said. For anyone to expect things to always go your way, is totally unrealistic. We talked in spring training about getting off to a good start so that when you do have a hard time, you have something to absorb that moment. Its always more difficult to catch somebody. So, Im pleased with where were at. Willie McGee Cardinals Jersey . It was the second consecutive win for the Pacers (2-5), who lost their first five preseason games. Jeff Teague led the Hawks (1-5) with 17 points and eight assists and Al Horford had 12 points and seven rebounds. Mike Scott scored 15 of his 17 points in the second half. Mark McGwire Jersey . He said Tuesday thats a big reason why he is now the new coach of the Tennessee Titans. Whisenhunt said he hit it off quickly with Ruston Webster when interviewing for the job Friday night. https://www.cheapcardinalsonline.com/1864t-edmundo-sosa-jersey-cardinals.html . "Theyve both been real good," said Babcock. "Havent changed our minds." A decision has seemingly been made - Sundays Group B-deciding tilt against Finland ahead - but it could not have been an easy one. Price opened the tournament with a sturdy 19-save performance against the Norwegians, yielding just one goal. Carlos Martinez Cardinals Jersey . 10 Texas A&Ms offence dominated as usual against SMU. Matt Wieters Cardinals Jersey . It is a cliché dragged out by fans and pundits regularly when discussions take place around which teams are better than others. Texas Preview CapsuleBy The Associated Press=TexasLast season: 20-13, lost in first round of the NCAA Tournament.Nickname: Longhorns.Coach: Shaka Smart.Conference: Big 12.Whos gone: G Isaiah Taylor, F Prince Ibeh.Whos back: Sophomore guards Eric Davis and Kerwin Roach werent regular starters last season but are now the veteran leaders on a team of talented freshmen. Roach will be looked at early at point guard and Davis is the best returning 3-pointer shooter after making 42 last season.Whos new: Forwards Jarrett Allen and James Banks will be expected to make an immediate impact. Teexas needs some interior scoring and defensive stops after the graduation of shot blocker Ibeh, last seasons Big 12 defensive player of the year.ddddddddddddThe Skinny: Getting to the NCAA Tournament hasnt been a problem for Texas. Staying long is another story. The Longhorns havent made it out of the first weekend since 2008. Smart, who is in just his second season at Texas, has been just as frustrated of late, with three consecutive first round losses. ' ' '