The Cubs and Reds played a four game series in Cincinnati from August 28th-30th. It included a double header to make up for a rainout earlier this season. The Cubs split the series, 2-2
No bingos. Craig Kimbrel blew a game this weekend.
August 28th:
Cubs Lose 5-6
The Cubs got out to an early lead, with Rizzo and Schwarber home runs in the first. Kyle Hendricks proceeded to get hit around in the middle innings, ultimately giving up 5 ER. He pitched 6 innings and walked 0, but 10 hits allowed did him in. With the score 6-2 in the 9th, the Cubs rallied with a 2 run shot by Contreras. Heyward then went deep as well. But then Iglesias came in and shut the door.
August 29th Game 1:
Cubs Win 3-0
It was a solid pitching matchup of Yu Darvish vs Trevor Bauer. Yu Darvish was solid again, with a line of 6 IP, 8 Ks, 2 BBs, 7 H, and most importantly 0 earned runs. Jeffress came on for a scoreless 7th to get the save. The Cubs had only 4 hits, but scored 3 runs. There was a fielders choice in the 2nd, then Rizzo hit two home runs in the 3rd and 6th. That was enough.
August 29th Game 2:
Cubs Lose 5-6
Ian Happ led off the game with a home run. Mills gave the lead right back to a Joey Votto home run. Alec Mills could give up two more home runs, giving up 4 runs in 3 innings. He threw 56 pitches in a short outing. The Cubs would get a 5-4 lead after a two run homer by Bote, an Ian Happ double, and a Hoerner sac fly in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings consecutively.
Then Craig Kimbrel came in the 7th, and walked 3 batters. He struck out 2, but ultimately blew the save and lose the game on a wild pitch dropped 3rd strike.
August 30th:
Cubs Win 10-1
Here's a recap of the scoring which encompasses the game nicely: 4th inning: Schwarber and Heyward solo home runs. 5th inning: Ian Happ 2 run homer. 6th inning: Heyward solo home run. 7th Inning: Ian Happ solo shot. 9th inning: Schwarber grand slam home run. 8 hits, 10 runs, as Heyward, Happ and Schwarber each hit two homers apiece. It was the first time in history that a starting outfield each had multiple home runs in the same game.
Pitching-wise, it was a bullpen day again. Chatwood started and went just 2.1 innings, 0 walks this time. He ultimately left early due to elbow discomfort. Quintana went 3 innings, giving up a run. Rea, Tepera, Ryan, and Underwood each had hitless and scoreless outings.
The Cubs are now 20-14, up 3.5 over the Cardinals.
Matt and Sparklespants are currently 3-4.
We know there are Nicholas Castellanos stans out there but we would be remiss if we didn't also point out why we ultimately are glad he's not out there roaming right field.
