Cubs 2, Reds 0: A good old-fashioned pitchers’ duel

Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty ImagesAl Yellon created Bleed Cubbie Blue and has been its managing editor since 2005. His latest book about the Cubs is "Chicago Cubs Firsts." Find him on Bluesky at @bleedcubbieblue.bsky.social

So maybe this idea of having an opener for Ben Brown’s turn in the rotation is... pretty good?

Drew Pomeranz threw a 1-2-3 first inning on only nine pitches and then Brown shut the door on the Reds. He threw six one-hit innings, striking out nine and issuing only one walk, by far his best outing of 2025.

The Cubs then got shutdown late-inning relief from Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia, and just enough offense to defeat the Reds on a one-hit shutout, 2-0, in front of a…