Chicago CubsvsCincinnati Reds
CHC 5/CIN 3
Things to say
The Cubs beat the Reds 5-3 in Cincinnati.
01
opener
Cubs took it 5-3 down in Cincinnati. Reds hung around but never really got the big hit. Chicago just kept the line moving.
02
key player
The Cubs' bats carried it, top of the order was on base all night. Reds pitching couldn't get through the heart of the order clean.
03
hot take
Cincinnati's at 43-51 now, that season's slipping away. They've got the arms but the offense keeps going quiet in the middle innings.
04
deep cut
Great American is a bandbox, ball flies there. A 5-3 game in that park actually says the pitching held up better than the score looks.
05
exit
Cubs are 53-42 and rolling. Anyway, curious if they keep it up when the schedule tightens up after the break.
The recap
Cubs went into Great American and walked out with a 5-3 win, keeping their grip on the good side of the standings at 53-42. The bats did enough damage in the small yard to stay ahead, and Chicago's arms slammed the door late to hand the Reds another gut-punch.
Cincinnati's now sitting at 43-51 and can't seem to get out of its own way. Getaway-day baseball, and the visitors grabbed it.