Big hits from Miguel Montero and Addison Russell were enough to lift the Cubs to a 5-2 victory over the Reds on Sunday at Great American Ball Park. Chicago took both games of the rain-shortened series.
The Cubs took a 1-0 lead with one out in the second inning against Anthony DeSclafani when Montero hit an 84-mph 1-1 changeup to the seats in left field for a home run. The Cubs added four unearned runs in the top of the fourth inning following third baseman Todd Frazier’s fielding error.
With runners on second and third after the miscue, Montero hit an RBI single to left field that scored Anthony Rizzo. Later with the bases loaded and two outs, Russell survived an 0-2 count and delivered the biggest blow by hitting a 1-2 pitch for a three-run double through the gap in right-center field to give the Cubs a 5-0 lead.
“I have to do a better job making a pitch to Russell there,” DeSclafani said. “If I just locate my slider a little bit better, we’re out of that inning. That’s on me.”
That boosted starter Jake Arrieta, who gave up two earned runs and four hits over his six innings with three walks and six strikeouts. DeSclafani finished with one of his five runs allowed being earned over five innings with five hits, two walks (one intentional) and five strikeouts. It was his first loss in four starts this season, and the first time Cincinnati lost a game that he started.
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