Early Runs, Excellent Pitching Help Cubs Secure Series Win

Then, Dansby Swanson got involved. The shortstop hit a ball down the left field line, scoring Crow-Armstrong all the way from first to make it a 2-0 game. 

The Cubs weren't done, Michael Busch cut a ball through the wind to right-center field for a two-run shot to cap off the four-run frame. 

Following the big inning, the Cubs added again in the bottom of the fifth. Pete Crow-Armstrong reached on a single, stole second base, and was driven in by Michael Busch's single, making it 5-0. 

The Reds responded. With two outs in the top of the sixth, Santiago Espinal walked and Elly De La Cruz crushed a home run that was reviewed, but upheld, to get the Reds on the board. 

With the lead down to three, the Cubs' offense delivered again. In the bottom of the seventh, Seiya Suzuki led off by reaching on a fielding error, and Pete Crow-Armstrong did the same in the next at-bat. Dansby Swanson struck out and Michael Busch walked, setting the stage for Nico Hoerner. The Cubs' RISP ace pierced a single down the right field line and scored two, making it a 7-2 game. 

The Cubs received brilliant pitching. Jameson Taillon went 6.1 innings, allowing just the two earned runs. Then, Caleb Thielbar, one of the unsung heroes of the bullpen, finished off the seventh in clean fashion. From there, Ryan Pressly pitched a scoreless eighth while striking out the side, and Ryan Brasier, despite allowing a run on a Tyler Stephenson sacrifice fly, closed out the game to secure a 7-3 win. 

What's On Tap Next?

The Cubs are off on Monday, but open a three-game set with the Washington Nationals in the nation's capital beginning on Tuesday. This will be the first of three consecutive road series, with the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies on the schedule as well. Cade Horton takes the ball on Tuesday against former Cub Trevor Williams.