Alex Bregman and Carson Kelly each homered for the Chicago Cubs on Sunday, powering the offense as Chicago pushed for the win in the series finale against the Cincinnati Reds.

What happened

Bregman and Kelly both went deep during Sunday's game, giving the Cubs' lineup two long-ball contributions. Kelly's homer tied the score, keeping Chicago in the fight in a series that stands even at a game apiece.

Why it matters

The Cubs sit at 52-42 on the season but have dropped their last two games, making Sunday's finale a chance to steady the ship. The Reds, at 43-50, enter riding a one-game winning streak after taking Saturday's contest.

Chicago won Friday's series opener 5-3 before Cincinnati answered with a 4-0 shutout Saturday, setting up an even series and a rubber match on Sunday.

By the numbers

The Cubs are averaging 5.0 runs per game this season while allowing 4.5, a positive run differential that reflects an offense capable of producing in bunches. The Reds are scoring 4.2 runs per game and allowing 4.8, numbers that help explain Cincinnati's sub-.500 record despite their recent momentum.

Friday's opener went to Chicago 5-3, and Cincinnati flipped the script Saturday with a 4-0 win, evening the series before Sunday's decisive game.

What to watch next

Sunday's finale remains to be decided, with both bullpens still to be tested as the series hangs in the balance. A Cubs win would snap their two-game skid and hand them the series; a Reds win would extend Cincinnati's streak to two and give them their first series win over Chicago in this set.