Cubs Explode for Ten Runs, Ambush Reds (VIDEO HIGHLIGHT)

It was the fourth of July and there was red, white and blue smattered everywhere around Wrigley Field on Monday. The Chicago Cubs (52-30) kept to the theme and exploded for ten runs on twelve hits, including home runs by Kris Bryant (24), Willson Contreras (5) and Addison Russell (9) to defeat the Cincinnati Reds (30-54) by the score of 10-4 (Box Score).

Kyle Hendricks (7-6, 2.61 ERA) was cruising along, allowing no runs and three hits through five innings. In the sixth inning, Hendricks gave up a single and runners ended up on first and third after Jeimer Candelario missed the second base bag with his foot on an attempted double play. That was all for Hendricks after 100 pitches.

The combined effort from four Cubs’ relievers was enough to put the Reds away, with Travis Wood being the only reliever that had any difficulty as he surrendered three runs on three hits, including back-to-back home runs.

Stats that mattered

• Hendricks was good and got a ton of run support – 5.1IP, 1R, 4H, 1BB, 2Ks
• Kris Bryant is doing everything for the Cubs – 1-for-1, 3R, 2RBIs, 2BB, 1HR
• Willson Contreras is incredible – 2-for-4, 2R, 1RBI, 1HR
• Addison Russell had a solid game – 2-for-5, 2R, 3RBIs, 1HR

Bottom line

It was a nice way to begin a short but much needed home stand for the Cubs. After losing four straight games, to come home and put this game away early meant everything. The Cubs have every reason to celebrate this win, a victory that keeps them atop the major leagues with the best record. Not too shabby after going 5-10 in their last 15 games. Of course, four of those games were against the Reds but who’s counting, right?

Next up

The Cubs have another day game against the Reds on Tuesday at 1:20 PM CDT. John Lackey (7-4, 3.27 ERA) takes the mound as the Cubs look to make it two in a row against the lowly Reds.