CINCINNATI (AP) — Nick Lodolo gave up one run in six innings, Tyler Stephenson hit a two-run double and the fueled Cincinnati Reds beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on Friday night for their sixth straight win.
The Reds have won 11 of 14 games and are now tied with the Cubs for second place in the National League Central with 31 wins and 33 losses. Meanwhile, Chicago has lost 11 of 15 games. The Brewers are in first place in the division.
Justin Steele, making his eighth start for the Cubs since returning from the disabled list, struck out the first 10 batters he faced before walking Ellie De La Cruz in the fourth inning.
Steele (0-3) pitched seven innings, giving up three runs, five hits and one walk while striking out seven.
After Spencer Steer reached base on a strikeout/wild pitch to put runners on first and third, Stevenson extended his hitting streak to a career-high eight games with a two-run double to put the Reds ahead, 2-0.
The Cubs had a chance in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and two outs, but Cody Bellinger hit a pop fly to third base on the first pitch from Lodolo (6-2). Bellinger is batting .333 against lefties but was 0-for-4 against Lodolo and Justin Wilson.
Blake Dunn hit a double for his first major league hit and then scored in the fifth on a Stuart Fairchild single to make the score 3-0.
A solo home run by Dansby Swanson in the sixth made the score 3-1. It was the only run allowed by Lodolo, who struck out seven and allowed four hits.
Michael Bush walked in the ninth and scored on Miguel Amaya’s double, but Alexis Diaz struck out Patrick Wisdom for his 13th save.
Trainer Room
Cubs: Second baseman Nico Hoerner was sidelined with continuing soreness in his right hand after being hit by a pitch Thursday night. X-rays were unremarkable and Hoerner will undergo further evaluation. Left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks returned from the disabled list to serve as a relief pitcher.
Reds: Left-handed pitcher Brandon Williamson (left shoulder tightness) returned from a rehabilitation assignment due to persistent shoulder soreness. Williamson will rest at least seven days and then be re-evaluated.
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Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott (4-5, 3.39 ERA) will face Cubs right-hander Ben Brown (1-2, 3.33 ERA) on Saturday.
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