Latos Dominant Over Eight As Reds Blank Cubs.

Aug 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) celebrates with catcher Devin Mesoraco (39) after defeating the Chicago Cubs 2-0 at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Mat Latos has been nothing sort of amazing since coming over to Cincinnati in the trade from San Diego on December 2011. He is 26-7 in his time with the Reds and he started the road trip for the team off well as he go eight dominant scoreless innings as the Reds defeat the Cubs 2-0 on Monday Night at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Cubs starter Travis Wood was outstanding himself through the first six innings of the game allowed only three hits as the Reds bats were held in check in the beginning.

In the top of 7th inning with one out Todd Frazier walked then Joey Votto flied out to left. Then Brandon Phillips stepped up on a 0-2 pitch he hit it to the left field seats for a two run homerun his 15th of the season as the first runs of the game was scored in both sides and a Reds 2-0 lead.

Latos retired the first 14 batters he faced to start off until he allowed  Donnie Murphy with one out single in the bottom of the fifth. He allowed a single to Junior Lake with one out then Anthony Rizzo singled to center as Lake was digging for third Shin Soo Choo made a great throw to third to nail him, Latos was able to get out of the inning.

Final line for Latos 8IP, 6H, 0ER 0BB, 9SO as he runs his overall season record to 12-3. At 94 pitches Dusty decide to put Aroldis Chapman instead of leaving Latos out there for the ninth and he was lights out striking out the side to get his 28th save of the season.

With the win Reds have won 5 of their last 6 games and gained ground on the Pirates and Cardinals who were both idle tonight,now trail the Pirates by 4.5 games in the NL Central. Tomorrow pitching matchup will be Homer Bailey for the Reds and Jeff Samardzija for the Cubs. First pitch is at 8:05pm. Ryan Ludwick made his first start since injuring his shoulder on opening day that required surgery he went 0 for 3 but it was great to have the vocal leader in the clubhouse back.