CHICAGO — Joey Votto, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Will Benson every had two hits, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5 on Monday evening within the opener of a key four-game sequence between NL Central contenders.
After Andrew Abbott struggled, six Cincinnati relievers mixed for five 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Buck Farmer (3-4) received 5 outs for the win, and All-Star Alexis Díaz labored the ninth for his thirty second save in 33 alternatives.
Cincinnati (59-49) improved to 4-3 on a 10-game journey. It additionally elevated its lead within the division to 1 1/2 video games over Milwaukee.
Dansby Swanson hit his thirteenth homer for third-place Chicago (53-53), and Yan Gomes had three of the group’s eight hits. However the Cubs have been unable to beat one other shaky efficiency by Marcus Stroman (10-8).
With the commerce deadline looming on Tuesday, Chicago acquired infielder Jeimer Candelario and right-hander José Cuas in a pair of offers. Candelario, who made his massive league debut with the Cubs in 2016, hit .258 with 16 homers and 53 RBIs in 99 video games with Washington.
Cincinnati additionally made a commerce, buying left-handed reliever Sam Moll in a cope with Oakland.
Chicago trailed 6-4 earlier than Christopher Morel hit an RBI double off Ian Gibaut within the eighth. However Mike Tauchman struck out on a disputed test swing and Nick Madrigal grounded out, ending the inning.
Díaz then retired the Cubs so as within the ninth.
Cincinnati jumped in entrance with 4 consecutive two-out hits in opposition to Stroman within the second inning. Benson doubled residence Votto after which scored on Luke Maile’s two-run double.
After the Reds opened a 6-1 lead with three extra runs within the third, together with RBI singles for Votto and Jake Fraley, the Cubs responded with three within the backside half in opposition to Abbott.
Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ hit consecutive sacrifice flies, and Gomes added a run-scoring single. Abbott then escaped the jam when he struck out Morel with runners on the corners.
Stroman allowed six hits, struck out two and walked two in three innings. The All-Star right-hander dropped to 1-4 with a 9.00 ERA in his final seven begins.
Abbott was charged with 4 runs and 5 hits in 3 1/3 innings. The rookie left-hander received his earlier two begins, permitting a complete of eight hits over 14 scoreless innings.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Reds: To make room for Moll on the 40-man roster, RHP Hunter Greene (proper hip ache) was transferred to the 60-day injured listing.
Cubs: RHP Brad Boxberger (forearm pressure) is anticipated to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. … RHP Nick Burdi (appendectomy) is scheduled for stay batting apply on Tuesday. … LHP Brandon Hughes (left knee irritation) continues to play catch this week.
UP NEXT
Cubs left-hander Justin Steele (11-3, 2.87 ERA) goes for his third straight win when he takes the mound on Tuesday evening. Proper-hander Ben Vigorous (4-6, 3.76 ERA) begins for the Reds.
