CINCINNATI -- The Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-1 on Tuesday night. Here’s a quick look at the game.
How it happened: After a 2.5-hour rain delay, the Cubs jumped on Reds starter Josh Smith for four runs in the opening inning. The big blow was a 2-run double by Miguel Montero after Tommy La Stella brought home a run with a sacrifice fly. Javier Baez followed Montero with an RBI single and that’s all the scoring that Dan Haren would need. Haren was fantastic, limiting the Reds to just three hits over 7 1/3 shutout innings. The Reds finally scored in the ninth after a three-base error by Austin Jackson in right field. Kyle Schwarber was on base four times with two hits and two walks.
What it means: Haren wasn’t much of a consideration for a postseason roster spot, but you never know what manager Joe Maddon might be thinking. The Reds weren’t exactly full of energy after the rain delay, so they made for an accommodating opponent.
After a productive first inning the Cubs ended up leaving 13 men on base while several players continue to struggle, including Chris Coghlan, who struck out three times. It’s a concern heading into next week -- unless the Cubs can score four first-inning runs in a playoff game and hold on like they did on Tuesday. They won for the 92nd time this season.
Pitching streak: The Cubs were three outs away from shutting out three opponents over the course of the past three days. The run in the ninth ended a scoreless streak at 29 innings.
Rizzo 30/30: Anthony Rizzo joined Don Baylor as the only players in major league history with 30 home runs and 30 hit-by-pitches in one season. That happened when Rizzo was nailed by Smith in the first inning.
What’s next: Game 2 of the series takes place on Wednesday night when Jon Lester (10-12, 3.43) takes on Anthony DeSclafani (9-12, 3.91).
