Final Score: Cubs 7, Reds 3 – Zobrist Blasts Two Home Runs to Lead Cubs to Win

It was the Ben Zobrist show tonight as he reminded everyone exactly what his bat is capable of. Could he be a hero in the playoffs for the Cubs? No doubt about it. He cracked two home runs tonight in the Cubs 7-3 win against the Reds (Box Score).

Zobrist got the scoring started off tonight for the Cubs (102-57) with a solo home run, his 16th, in the top of the fifth inning to break up a no-hitter. He capped off the Cubs scoring in the top of the eighth inning with a line drive shot to right field for his second home run. Anthony Rizzo scored on the play after he’d driven in two runs on a single just prior to Zobrist’s at-bat.

Jake Buchanan was making his first start – and second appearance – for the Cubs since being called up on September 1, when rosters expanded to a limit of 40 players. He allowed two hits – two – over five innings of really solid, and quite frankly a little unexpected, baseball. Kudos to Jake.

The bullpen did a solid job. Carl Edwards allowed a home run to Joey Votto but that’s going to happen. Otherwise, the Cubs pitching staff did an excellent job in a bullpen game. Very good win by the boys in blue tonight.

Stats that matter

• The other Jake, just being Jake – 5.0IP, 0R, 1BB, 2Ks
• Ben – 3-for-4, 3R, 3RBI, 2B, 2HR

Bottom line

This was a very nice game when you consider the position the Cubs are in. A bullpen game where the bullpen pitched incredibly. The offense played well with eight hits, four walks and seven runs. It was a perfect example of what a game should look like when the game is more of a preparation than an actual game where the outcome matters.

Next up

The Cubs will play the Reds on Saturday at 3:10 PM CT and Jon Lester (19-4, 2.28 ERA) will be on the hill.