CHICAGO -- The flags atop the historic center-field scoreboard at Wrigley Field were stretched out straight toward the street on Tuesday night thanks to a 20-mph wind from the southwest, so it's no surprise that the Cubs and Reds combined for seven home runs.
It's probably also no surprise to anyone who's watched the National League Central rivals play the last few years that the Cubs outslugged the Reds en route to a 9-5 victory in the opener of a three-game series.
The Cubs, who hit a season-high four homers, have gone deep in seven straight games against the Reds dating back to Sept.