Chicago, IL – The Cincinnati Reds recorded 16 hits, including four home runs, in a 12-2 win over the Chicago Cubs in the second game of a four-game series at Wrigley Field.
Zack Cozart and Xavier Paul both hit three-run home runs while Joey Votto had a two-run homer for the Reds. Jay Bruce also drove in two runs in the victory.
Cincinnati starter Tony Cingrani (3-0) pitched seven solid innings, giving up two runs on four hits while striking out five. He was recalled from Triple-A Louisville prior to the contest.
Reds manager Dusty Baker also earned his 1,620th career win to pass Ralph Houk for 16th-most all-time.
"It's a pleasure to enjoy to get one of these games and see the guys happy about scoring runs and Cingrani was outstanding tonight," said Baker. "He showed his improvement ... and threw some quality breaks and changeups."
Cody Ransom had a home run but also committed three errors and Alfonso Soriano drove in one run for the Cubs, who have lost four of their last five games. Starter Matt Garza (1-1) was battered, surrendering nine runs on nine hits over five-plus frames.
"Impressive, the way they (the Reds) did it. It's just the way it fell tonight," said Garza.
Todd Frazier hit a solo shot with two outs in the second. An inning later, Cingrani reached first on a bunt and advanced to second on Ransom's errant throw. Three batters later, Votto smashed the first pitch he saw over the left-field wall to give the Reds a 3-0 lead.
Ransom drew a walk to begin the fourth, advanced to third on a single by Anthony Rizzo and scored on a sacrifice fly by Soriano.
However, in the sixth, the Reds exploded for six runs. Votto singled to lead off and got to third as Scott Hairston was unable to make the catch. Brandon Phillips then walked, followed by a two-run double to left by Bruce. Frazier was then hit by a pitch, setting up Paul's three-run smash to right.
After Ryan Hanigan drew a walk, Hector Rondon relieved Garza. Cingrani reached first on a sacrifice bunt, as Ransom was unable to keep the ball in his glove. Shin-Soo Choo grounded into a double play, but Cozart singled to right, plating Hanigan.
Ransom made up for his blunder with a solo shot in the home half, but the Cubs mustered just one more hit over the final three frames.
In the eighth, pinch-hitter Jack Hannahan singled and Choo smacked a double to center. Cozart then hammered a 1-1 pitch to left for the final margin.
Game Notes
Votto has 141 home runs at first base, tied with Tony Perez (1964-76, 1984-86) for second-most in Reds history. He is also on a nine-game hitting streak at Wrigley Field, hitting 16-for-30 with nine RBI in that span ... Soriano snapped a seven-game hitting streak ... The Cubs are 3-for-29 with runners in scoring position over their last five games.
Game Notes
Votto has 141 home runs at first base, tied with Tony Perez (1964-76, 1984-86) for second-most in Reds history. He is also on a nine-game hitting streak at Wrigley Field, hitting 16-for-30 with nine RBI in that span ... Soriano snapped a seven-game hitting streak ... The Cubs are 3-for-29 with runners in scoring position over their last five games.
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