Inside the Reds' perfectly executed game plan in the fifth inning vs. the Cubs

CHICAGO –– Around noon on Sunday, Cincinnati Reds baserunning coach Collin Cowgill went over “base stealing scouting reports” with the Reds’ position players.

Before every game, Cowgill breaks down all the tendencies that a Reds’ base runner could pick up on to steal an extra base. On Sunday, Cowgill gave the Reds a tip about running against Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Drew Smyly. Then in the fifth inning, Reds shortstop Matt McLain turned that conversation into a game-changing stolen base in the Reds’ 8-5 win that got Cincinnati the series sweep.

The Reds’ two-run fifth inning was the turning point, and the inning was a combination of hustle plays, heads up moments and a perfectly executed…