Reds Defeat Cubs 3-2 In Delay Fest

Apr 29, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) rounds third base during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Center fielder Billy Hamilton collected three hits, including his first career home run, and right-hander Alfredo Simon pitched six strong innings, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday at Great American Ball Park.

The game was delayed by rain on three separate occasions for a total of one hour and 45 minutes.

Hamilton went 3-for-4 with a homer, walk, stolen base and scored twice for Cincinnati, the youngster is starting to get comfortable at the plate.

Simon (4-1) was making his first appearance since being hit with a $15 million lawsuit from a woman claiming he sexually assaulted her in a Washington, D.C., hotel a year ago. He allowed two runs on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts.

Cubs right-hander Jeff Samardzija extended his winless streak to 12 starts, allowing three runs and eight hits with four walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings, he really needs to go to another team, I really feel bad for him, but he struggled tonight.

Hamilton’s first career home run came on a 1-1 pitch from Samardzija to tie the score 2-2 leading off the fifth inning, I honestly thought Hamilton will not homered at all this season, proved me wrong.

Cincinnati turned inning-ending double plays in the fifth and sixth innings to keep the score tied.

In the sixth, shortstop Zack Cozart tripled to right-center and Chris Heisey, pinch-hitting for Simon, singled to left to put the Reds ahead 3-2 moments before heavy rain resumed.

Following a 1-hour, 11-minute rain delay in the sixth inning, Cubs manager Rick Renteria was ejected by home plate umpire Alan Porter for arguing a non-strike call with first baseman Joey Votto, who was batting.

Hamilton’s diving catch in the seventh helped end a Cubs’ threat.

Cincinnati had the bases loaded with nobody out in the eighth, but right-hander Pedro Strop got an inning-ending double play grounder from Votto.

Right-hander Jonathan Broxton pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save.

Hamilton’s speed shook up Samardzija in the first. The rookie walked, stole second, reached third on a wild pitch and then scored on Brandon Phillips’ sacrifice fly to the warning track to make the score 1-0.

After retiring the first four batters, Simon lost his control in the second inning when he walked third baseman Luis Valbuena and hit catcher Welington Castillo with a pitch with one out. However, Simon retired the next two batters.

Simon wasn’t as fortunate in the third inning. Castro delivered a two-run single with the bases loaded to put the Cubs ahead 2-1.

Well, the Reds continue its dominance against the lowly Cubs, both teams are right back at it tonight.

First pitch is at 7:10pm and it won’t rain, thank goodness.