April 24--Cubs 1, Reds 0 (third inning)
Addison Russell ripped a home run with two out in the second inning Saturday night to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead over the Reds at Great American Ball Park after 2 1/2 innings. The Cubs have worked Reds starter Dan Straily for 66 pitches through the first three innings.
At the plate:
The first three batters in the Cubs' order -- Dexter Fowler, Jason Heyward and Kris Bryant -- set the tone by seeing 21 pitches against Reds starter Dan Straily. The Cubs missed a scoring chance in the first, but Russell had enough chances to time Straily's 84 mph changeup.
On the mound:
John Lackey, trying to join ace Jake Arrieta in winning his fourth consecutive start, snapped off a sharp slider to strike out Eugenio Suarez to end the first.
In the field:
Heyward sprinted to the gap in right center to catch a line drive by Zack Cozart, and Bryant ran near the wall along the left field line to catch a fly by Joey Votto in the first. Heyward and Bryant received fist pumps from Lackey for their efforts.
Key number:
37 2/3 -- innings pitched by Cubs relievers
The quote:
"I'm glad the starters are pitching well. That's the way it's supposed to be." -- Pedro Strop
Up next:
vs. Reds at Great American Ball Park,12:10 p.m., WGN-9
