Chicago's Eddie Butler was sharp over the first three innings, throwing 35 pitches total, and then faltered in Cincinnati's four-run fourth. He gave up an RBI double to Adam Duvall, and one out later, walked Tucker Barnhart with the bases loaded to force in a run. Butler then served up Stephens' single. The Cubs' starter threw 33 pitches in the fourth before exiting with two outs.
With the loss, the defending World Series champion Cubs are 40-41 at the halfway point. A year ago, they were 51-30 after 81 games.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Strike 'em out, throw 'em out: The Cubs had runners at first and third with nobody out in the second inning.