Tucker Barnhart hit a go-ahead, three-run homer off Trevor Cahill in the seventh inning, and the Cincinnati Reds beat Chicago 5-3 Wednesday – the Cubs’ 12th loss in 17 games.
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Zack Cozart had a solo homer in the first off Adam Warren and the Reds padded their lead in the eighth when Adam Duvall walked, advanced to third on Phillips’ single and scored on a wild pitch by Carl Edwards, Jr.
Lackey (7-5) allowed 6 runs – 5 earned – 6 hits and 5 walks in 6 innings, dropping to 0-3 in his past five starts. A Chicago win over the Reds on Tuesday or Wednesday would give them their fifth straight series against Cincinnati dating back to last season.
Three days later, the Reds left with confidence and some vindication.
Michael Lorenzen gave up two walks but no hits in two scoreless innings and Tony Cingrani retired the Cubs in order in the ninth for his 10 save. “That was probably the last pitch I thought was going to come there, and just kind of reacted to it”.
“We should be more competitive against everybody, I think, once we get our pitching into good shape”, Price said. “I think we’re closer”.
Kyle Hendricks (7-6) gave up an unearned run and four hits in 5 1/3 innings as the Cubs started a four-game homestand on a winning note after going 4-7 on their longest trip of the season.
CHICAGO (AP) – Kris Bryant hit his NL-best 24th home run before leaving with a bruised leg, Willson Contreras and Addison Russell also went deep, and the Chicago Cubs pounded the struggling Cincinnati Reds 10-4 on Monday. “Those guys were really the driving force to our offense”. It got homers from David Freese and Sean Rodriguez, and Kang’s double off Jonathan Broxton (1-1) put the Pirates up 6-5 after they trailed 5-1. “He’s just beat up right now, ” manager Bryan Price said. Bruce took his All-Star snub in stride. Maddon did not rule out the possibility that Fowler’s first game back could be the All-Star Game. While with Boston, he missed much of 2013 after taking foul balls off the mask that May 11 and June 14….
RHP Adam Warren (3-1, 4.56 ERA) is to make a spot start for Chicago after getting stretched out in the minors while RHP Anthony DeSclafani (2-0, 1.78) is to pitch for Cincinnati.
Josh Harrison and David Freese added RBIs for the Pirates, who have taken the first two games of a four-game set and are 7-4 in the season series, closing within one-half game of the second-place Cardinals in the NL Central. The blast was not only Bryant’s 25 of the season (which is the highest total in all of baseball), but it was also his ninth of the season in 12 games against the Reds.
The teams wore baggy throwback uniforms with high socks to commemorate 100 years at Wrigley Field.
The Cubs, who have seven games remaining against the Reds this season, could have another player join that impressive list.
Reds: After an off day in Miami, RHP Dan Straily (4-5, 4.34 ERA) starts Friday night against Marlins ace Jose Fernandez (10-4, 2.69).
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Joey Votto added two RBI and Jay Bruce homered as the Reds beat the Cubs for the second time in 12 games this season after almost blowing a 5-0 lead.
