Cincinnati Reds Beat The Cubs, Naturally

Apr 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) hits an RBI double against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Three in a row. That is the win streak for the Cincinnati Reds after a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs Friday afternoon at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.

Cincinnati’s trend of phenomenal starting pitching continued Friday as Alfredo Simon (2-1) had another spectacular outing for the Reds. Simon is taking the place of the injured Mat Latos for the moment. The Reds could not have asked for a better pitcher to stand in for Latos. On Friday Simon went 6.0IP, 4H, 0ER, 2BB, 3K as he dominated the Cubs and lowered his ERA to 0.84.

In addition to great pitching Cincinnati managed to garner some runs today, proving the offense is still alive after a recent hot streak. Four runs on Friday was enough to give the Reds the win and make for a comfortable eighth and ninth inning.

Billy Hamilton helped score the first run of the day in the 5th inning off a double to left center that scored Devin Mesoraco. In the 6th inning Zach Cozart grounded into fielders choice at third that scored Jay Bruce, Devin Mesoraco was out at second, Ryan Ludwick advanced to third and then scored on a throwing error. Quite a series of events on one hit. In the eight inning a wild pitch scored the Reds fourth run by Todd Frazier.

Cincinnati has not been known for their base running in years past, in fast this season the base running has been atrocious at times. Friday it was not. A total of five players stole bases. Billy Hamilton, Jay Bruce, Joey Votto, Neftali Soto, and Todd Frazier all stole a base Friday.

Simon was pulled in the sixth inning when he reached 101 pitches. Sam LeCure came in in relief, Mr. LeCure went 1.1IP, allowing 1H and striking out 3. In the eight inning Manny Parra came in with one out, he recorded the final two out of the eighth. Jonathan Broxton came in for the save in the ninth inning, he got the save and the Reds got the W.

The Reds return to the field Saturday at 2:20pm to face the Cubs in the second game of the series. Tony Cingrani (1-1) will be on the mound for the Reds.