| Final | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Reds (32-54) | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| Chicago Cubs (52-32) | 3 | 8 | 0 |
| W: DeSclafani (3-0) L: Cahill (1-3) S: Cingrani (10) | |||
| FanGraphs Win Probability | Box Score | |||
The Good
–Tucker Barnhart delivered the big blast in the 7th inning, a three-run homer to center field that gave the Reds a 4-3 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
–I can’t believe I’m typing this, but another fine performance by the Reds bullpen today. Michael Lorenzen and Tony Cingrani combined to hold the Cubs hitless over the last three innings.
–Perhaps hearing the rumors about his decline at the plate (including being named the worst starting second baseman in baseball this week by The Sporting News), Brandon Phillips went 3-4 with a stolen base today. Jose Peraza, playing left field but trying to prove that he can keep up with BP, went 2-4 and stole two bases. Phillips and Peraza scored on Barnhart’s home run.
–Zack Cozart didn’t let his All-Star snub affect him; he went out and hit a leadoff homer (his 14th of the season), then collected a single and a stolen base (his second of the season) later. Jay Bruce was snubbed as well, but he only appeared as a pinch-hitter in this one, drawing a base on balls.
–National League All-Star Adam Duvall didn’t get a hit, but he drew a walk for the second straight game. Amazing!
–The teams wore 1916 throwback uniforms, and they were outstanding.
The Bad
–Nothing bad about this game.
(Well, with the possible exception of some less-than-stellar defensive play by Phillips that contributed to both of Chicago’s second-inning runs. But we’re trying to be happy and positive today, so I won’t mention that.)
Not-So-Random Thoughts
–The Reds won a series against the Cubs, at Wrigley Field! There was a time that this wouldn’t have been so exciting, but here we are… It’s the first time the Reds have won back to back games against the Cubs in nearly two years (August 2014).
–Anthony DeSclafani had a couple of rough patches today, but overall it was a decent start. Six innings, three runs allowed on 8 hits, six strikeouts, no walks. He’s 3-0 with a 2.23 ERA. Not too shabby.
–I would have loved to have seen Ross Ohlendorf pitching in these 1916 throwbacks, what with his funky old-school delivery and all. Cingrani’s beard was a great complement to the uniforms, however.
–Reds head to Miami for a weekend series with the Marlins. Dan Straily will pitch against Jose Fernandez on Friday night in the opener.