Littell and Steer Help the Reds Top the Sagging Cubs 5-1
The Cincinnati Reds secured a 5-1 victory over the slumping Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night, thanks to outstanding performances from Zack Littell and Spencer Steer.
Game Highlights
Zack Littell struck out eight in seven crisp innings in his Cincinnati debut, allowing three hits and walking two in his first start since he was acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay last week.
Littell’s impressive outing set the tone for the Reds, who won for the third time in four games.
Spencer Steer hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in Cincinnati’s four-run seventh, securing the win for the Reds.
The Reds (60-54) are now looking to build on this momentum, while the Cubs (65-48) are struggling to find their footing.
Cubs’ Struggles Continue
Matt Shaw homered for the Cubs, who finished with four hits. They had just three hits in Monday night’s 3-2 loss in the series opener.
The Cubs have dropped three of four and trail the NL Central-leading Brewers by four games.
Their struggles at the plate were evident, with the team unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Turning Point
The Reds grabbed control in the seventh against Andrew Kittredge (2-3). Austin Hays walked, Miguel Andujar singled, and Steer hit a drive to left-center for his 13th homer. Santiago Espinal added a sacrifice fly.
This turning point in the game sealed the deal for the Reds, who took a commanding lead and never looked back.
Notable Performances
Andujar collected his first two hits with the Reds after coming over in a trade deadline deal with the Athletics. TJ Friedl also had two hits.
Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings, but was charged with one run and three hits.
Key Moment
The Cubs had a chance to grab an early lead, putting runners on first and second with none out in the first. But Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Willi Castro struck out swinging.
This missed opportunity set the tone for the rest of the game, as the Cubs struggled to capitalize on scoring chances.
Key Stat
The Reds went 3 for 5 with runners in scoring position, while the Cubs went 0 for 6 in those situations.
This stark contrast in performance with runners in scoring position was a major factor in the outcome of the game.
Up Next
Reds All-Star LHP Andrew Abbott (8-1, 2.15 ERA) faces Cubs rookie RHP Cade Horton (5-2, 3.42 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday.
This matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to come out on top.
Conclusion
The Reds’ victory over the Cubs was a much-needed win for the team, and they will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming games.
With Littell and Steer leading the charge, the Reds are poised to make a push in the NL Central.
The Cubs, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to overcome their struggles at the plate.
FAQs
Q: Who was the starting pitcher for the Reds in their game against the Cubs?
A: Zack Littell was the starting pitcher for the Reds.
Q: How many hits did the Cubs have in the game?
A: The Cubs had four hits in the game.
Q: Who hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning?
A: Spencer Steer hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the seventh inning.
Q: What is the current record of the Reds?
A: The Reds are currently 60-54.
Q: Who will be the starting pitchers in the series finale on Wednesday?
A: Reds All-Star LHP Andrew Abbott will face Cubs rookie RHP Cade Horton in the series finale on Wednesday.
CHICAGO (AP) — Zack Littell struck out eight in seven crisp innings in his Cincinnati debut, and the Reds beat the slumping Chicago Cubs 5-1 on Tuesday night.
Littell (9-8) allowed three hits and walked two in his first start since he was acquired in a trade with Tampa Bay last week.
Spencer Steer hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in Cincinnati’s four-run seventh. The Reds (60-54) won for the third time in four games.
Matt Shaw homered for the Cubs (65-48), who finished with four hits. They had just three hits in Monday night’s 3-2 loss in the series opener.
The Cubs have dropped three of four. They trail the NL Central-leading Brewers by four games.
Steer singled home Miguel Andujar in the fifth, but Shaw responded with his seventh homer in the bottom half of the inning.
The Reds grabbed control in the seventh against Andrew Kittredge (2-3). Austin Hays walked, Andujar singled and Steer hit a drive to left-center for his 13th homer. Santiago Espinal added a sacrifice fly.
It was Kittredge’s third appearance since he was acquired in a trade with Baltimore.
Andujar collected his first two hits with the Reds after coming over in a trade deadline deal with the Athletics. TJ Friedl also had two hits.
Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings. He was charged with one run and three hits.
Key moment
The Cubs had a chance to grab an early lead, putting runners on first and second with none out in the first. But Kyle Tucker, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Willi Castro struck out swinging.
Key stat
The Reds went 3 for 5 with runners in scoring position. The Cubs went 0 for 6 in those situations.
Up next
Reds All-Star LHP Andrew Abbott (8-1, 2.15 ERA) faces Cubs rookie RHP Cade Horton (5-2, 3.42 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday.
