CINCINNATI _ Kris Bryant and Jason Heyward have proven to be a winning combination in the 1-2 spots, and they were back there Friday night against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.
But the combo failed to do any damage on Friday in a 6-3 loss to the Reds.
Jose Quintana was hit hard, allowing four runs on nine hits in five innings, and the Cubs managed only four hits on the night.
Bryant, leading off for the seventh game, came in 9-for 24 with three RBIs since being moved into the top spot, but went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.
He's not a prototypical leadoff man, which doesn't bother manger Joe Maddon.
"He gets on base a lot, he's possibly one of the best base-runners on the team," Maddon said. "It's one of those things- preconceived notions _ that you get hung up on it. But I like what he's doing. He's come up at some pretty opportune times. When the bottom of the order has been productive, there's potential for a lot of base-runners in the one hole."
Heyward also went 0-for-4 for the Cubs (42-31), who got a two-run home run from Kyle Schwarber (1-for-4).
Eugenio Suarez (3-for-4, home run, two RBIs, run scored) paced the Reds (30-45).
