The Cubs were able to win the critical series against the Reds on Thursday night with a more traditional approach. Chicago relied on their bullpen to preserve a two-run victory on another hitters’ night at Wrigley Field, and they did it without hitting five or more homers for the first time in three games.
Elly De La Cruz put Cincinnati ahead immediately, hitting the first pitch of the game from Jameson Taillon for a solo home run to center. The North Siders responded against Luke Weaver with back-to-back doubles from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to tie the score in the bottom of the 1st.