The Cincinnati Reds finally broke through in close games, defeating the Chicago Cubs 5-4 on Friday night. The win snapped a 10-game losing streak in one-run contests for Cincinnati.
The Reds, winners in five of their last seven games, will look to build on their momentum in the second game of their three-game series against the Cubs on Saturday.
“We’re going to carry that momentum into June and just ride that wave,” said Reds outfielder TJ Friedl.
Cincinnati rallied from a one-run deficit in the seventh inning to take the lead. Pinch hitter Santiago Espinal launched a two-run homer to put the Reds ahead 4-3, and Jacob Hurtubise scored on Friedl’s single in the ninth for a 5-3 advantage.
The Cubs threatened in the bottom of the ninth when Seiya Suzuki doubled and Nick Madrigal tried to score the tying run, but a strong throw from Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz nailed him at the plate.
“Watching him grow has been incredible,” Friedl said of De La Cruz. “He makes crazy plays, it’s just Elly being Elly.”
De La Cruz, a 22-year-old rising star, has already recorded 111 assists this season, putting him on pace to surpass his rookie total of 154.
Hunter Greene will get the start for Cincinnati on Saturday. The right-hander has dominated the Cubs historically, going 3-1 with a 3.43 ERA in four career outings against them.
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Meanwhile, the Cubs are in desperate need of a win to avoid a sixth consecutive series loss. Chicago has dropped three straight games and finished May with a dismal 10-18 record.
The Cubs’ struggles have been largely due to offensive woes. They managed just one hit in nine at-bats with runners in scoring position on Friday night.
“Our hitting just isn’t clicking,” admitted Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. “We have a talented group with a history of success, and we need to find a way to turn things around.”
Justin Steele will take the mound for Chicago. The left-hander has struggled against the Reds in his career, going 2-3 with a 7.53 ERA in eight appearances.
