Game Recap
The Cincinnati Reds edged the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on Monday night, with TJ Friedl hitting a tiebreaking RBI single in the seventh inning.
CHICAGO (AP) — The Reds held off the Cubs for a 3-2 win, with Tyler Stephenson homering for Cincinnati, and Elly De La Cruz having an RBI double. The Reds (59-54) had dropped four of six.
Key Plays
Dansby Swanson hit his 17th homer for the Cubs (65-47), who fell three games behind NL Central-leading Milwaukee. With two outs and runners on the corners in the seventh, Friedl drove in Jake Fraley with a looper into center field against Caleb Thielbar. Ryan Brasier (0-1) got the loss.
Seventh Inning Drama
The Cubs threatened in the bottom half, advancing Willi Castro to third with two down. Swanson then hit a chopper to third and was ruled safe. The Reds challenged, and the call was overturned when a replay review showed Swanson missed the bag initially as he crossed first base.
Injuries to Starters
Both starters, Cincinnati’s Nick Lodolo and Chicago’s Michael Soroka, exited with injuries. Lodolo retired his first five batters before departing because of a blister on his left index finger. The Cubs grabbed a 2-1 lead on Dansby Swanson’s two-run homer off Nick Martinez in the third. But they finished with just three hits.
Relief Pitching
Scott Barlow (5-0) pitched two innings for the win, and Emilio Pagán tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 24th save. Pitching on his 28th birthday, Soroka departed his Cubs debut after two innings because of right shoulder discomfort. He was acquired in a trade with Washington on Thursday. Ben Brown replaced Soroka and tossed four innings of one-run ball.
Conclusion
The Cincinnati Reds’ win over the Chicago Cubs marked an important victory for the team, as they look to gain ground in the NL Central. With key plays from TJ Friedl and Tyler Stephenson, the Reds were able to hold off the Cubs and secure a 3-2 win.
FAQs
Q: Who hit the tiebreaking RBI single for the Reds?
A: TJ Friedl hit the tiebreaking RBI single in the seventh inning.
Q: Who homered for the Reds?
A: Tyler Stephenson homered for the Reds.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 3-2 in favor of the Reds.
Q: Who got the win for the Reds?
A: Scott Barlow (5-0) pitched two innings for the win.
Q: Who got the save for the Reds?
A: Emilio Pagán tossed a 1-2-3 ninth for his 24th save.
