CHICAGO -- Jon Lester assured everyone he would be fine after exiting his previous start with back spasms. Taking the mound Saturday as scheduled, the veteran left-hander proved he was ready, completing seven scoreless innings in the Cubs' 1-0 win over the Reds at Wrigley Field.
Lester and Reds starter Cody Reed were locked in a pitchers' duel through the first five innings -- they had each allowed just two hits in that span, with three of those combined four hits remaining in the infield. Reed was removed for a pinch-hitter to begin the sixth after recording a career-high 10 strikeouts in the contest.