Todd Frazier hit a two-run home run, Ryan Ludwick and Jay Bruce added solo shots, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Chicago Cubs 7-3 on Friday night in the opener of a four-game weekend series.

Bronson Arroyo survived a shaky start to improve to 5-1 in his last six starts. Arroyo (9-7) gave up nine hits and three runs with three walks, three strikeouts and a wild pitch in 6 1-3 innings.

Cincinnati, coming off a loss to the New York Mets on Thursday that snapped a five-game winning streak, began the day leading the NL Central by six games.

The Reds had six extra-base hits in five innings against streaky former teammate Travis Wood (4-9), who has lost his last six decisions after winning four straight starts.