Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs — Recap

📰Game Recap

The Cincinnati Reds pulled off an upset victory against the Chicago Cubs, overcoming an early two-run deficit with a barrage of home runs that powered them to a 7-5 win. They found their offensive rhythm in the middle innings, hitting four total long balls to secure the lead and defy pregame expectations.

Pete Crow-Armstrong immediately put the Cubs on the board, launching a 417-foot solo shot to right center in the first inning. Chicago extended its lead in the second when Conforto singled, scoring Happ. Cincinnati broke through in the fourth, taking their first lead of the game on a three-run blast to right field by Rodríguez, which scored Suárez and McLain. The Cubs quickly responded in the home half of the fourth, tying the game as Happ scored on a throwing error by right fielder Rodríguez.

The Reds' power continued to surge in the fifth inning, which ultimately swung the game in their favor. Myers connected for a solo homer to left center, reclaiming the lead. Later in the same inning, Stephenson hit a two-run home run to left, bringing De La Cruz across the plate and extending Cincinnati's advantage. This offensive outburst provided ample support for starting pitcher Chase Burns, who effectively navigated 5.2 innings, allowing only two earned runs and striking out seven, notably exceeding expectations given the pregame FIP differential. While Crow-Armstrong added another solo home run in the ninth, his two blasts were insufficient to match the Reds' multi-run innings.

Ultimately, Cincinnati's ability to generate runs in bunches, particularly through the long ball, allowed them to overcome the favored Cubs. Their starting pitching performance, combined with timely power, proved to be the winning formula against a team expected to prevail. Following the contest, the Reds moved to 65-72 on the season, while the Cubs dropped to 77-60.