July 23--CINCINNATI -- A "weird" first inning in which he gave up three soft hits on the way to a four-run rally was baffling to Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks as the Reds went on to a 9-1 victory in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday at Great American Ball Park.
And Hendricks seems just as puzzled that the Cubs can't seem to put together a lengthy winning streak with the July 31 trade deadline approaching.
"It just seems we can't hit that stride," said Hendricks, who gave up five runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts over six innings. "The guys in our clubhouse definitely can get it done. I don't know what it is. Something has to change. Something has to click.
"It will. If we get some guys at the deadline or something happens, great. But if not, we'll be fine either way."
Since winning six straight May 11-16, the Cubs have only one four-game winning streak and one three-game stretch.
Balking at balk: Manager Joe Maddon was ejected after first-base umpire Adam Hamari called a balk in the fourth inning of the first game.
First baseman Anthony Rizzo took a few steps forward before catching Hendricks' throw with Tucker Barnhart at first. Maddon said Hamari told him he made the call because Rizzo "did not attempt to go back and make the tag."
"I didn't want to hear it at that point," Maddon said. "(Rizzo) came like he was going to charge on the bunt. He caught (the throw), started meandering back to the bag, which usually is good enough. (The call) just never should have happened. If another umpire could overrule another umpire in a situation like that, I'm sure it could have happened. I just couldn't accept the explanation. That's all."
Extra innings: Because Game 2 starter Dallas Beeler was promoted as the 26th player for a doubleheader, he is not subject to the 10-day rule regarding players who are optioned to the minors. Therefore, Beeler is eligible to pitch Tuesday's game against the Rockies. ... Left-hander Clayton Richard was designated for assignment to make room for reliever Yoervis Medina, but the Cubs hope Richard clears waivers and will stay in the organization.
