Cincinnati Reds Win Rubber Match Against Cubs
By Matt Niehaus
Apr 18, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; The Cincinnati Reds celebrate their win against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-1. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Back to back series victories for the Cincinnati Reds (8-10) is exactly what the club needed. First the Pirates earlier in the week and now the Cubs (5-12) in the weekend series. The Reds have won 4 of their last 6 including an 8-2 win Sunday afternoon in Chicago.
The friendly confines of Wrigley Field proved to be friendly for the Cincinnati Reds offense and to starting pitcher Homer Bailey.
Bailey has struggled so far in the young season after signing a large deal in the offseason. Sunday afternoon though Bailey (1-1) found his form going 6.0IP, allowing 6 hits, 0 earned runs and 8 strike outs. A very stout outing for the right hander who stayed below 100 pitches on Sunday. Bailey also managed to lower his ERA down to 5.75.
Manny Parra came in in the 7th for the departed Bailey. Parra struggled early, giving up 3 hits and 2 earned runs, Parra was pulled after only getting 1 out in the inning. From there JJ Hoover and Sean Marshall closed out the game for the Reds. Marshall made his first appearance of the season.
The Reds offense came alive Sunday combining for 15 hits and 8 runs. The bottom of the order, Devin Mesoraco and Zach Cozart both had 3 hits on Sunday. Cozart had 3 RBI while Mesoraco had 1 RBI. Cozart also hit his first home run of the season a two run blast to left field that scored Mesoraco. In fact the entire lineup had a hit Sunday except for Brandon Phillips.
Billy Hamilton got a hit and stole a base on Sunday. The speedy outfielder has now started hitting more consistently which is exactly what the Reds need. Hamilton also has 7 stolen bases on the season now, look for that number to sky rocket the more Hamilton gets on.
Cincinnati travels to Pittsburgh this week for a four game series. Mike Leake will be on the mound for the Reds Monday night. Watch the game live at 7pm on FSOhio.