Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/13/22): Cubs 7, Reds 2 – Happ-y to be in Cincinnati
The Cubs aimed to ride the momentum from their win in the Field of Dreams game to Cincinnati on Saturday night. Maybe the magic extended another night, whatever the reason, Chicago was able to take home another victory.
Kyle Farmer put the Reds ahead with an RBI single off of Adrian Sampson in the bottom of the 1st. Graham Ashcraft cruised through the first three innings before a throwing error and a two-run blast from the newest Cub Franmil Reyes gave the road team a 2-1 lead in the 4th.
Ian Happ singled home a run in the 5th inning to double the Cubs advantage. Another Farmer single cut into Chicago’s lead in the bottom of the frame but Sean Newcomb came on and struck out the side to preserve the 3-2 edge.
Happ greatly increased the Cubs lead with a three-run home run off of Ian Gibaut in the top of the 7th. Willson Contreras added a solo dinger in the 9th inning and Chicago went on to win easily. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
The Cubs got a lot of timely power hitting and the bullpen was very good yet again.
Eye on the Future
- Nick Madrigal reached base twice again on Saturday as he stays hot.
- Reyes singled in addition to his homer as he tries to earn playing time.
Stats That Matter
- No one has ever mentioned it much but Ian Happ seems to play well in Cincinnati.
- Sampson was not very sharp Saturday; 4 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 6 K, and 3 BB.
- Contreras was very productive reaching three times, although he did appear a little gimpy after injuring his ankle on Thursday.
Bottom Line
Franmil Reyes would be a big help if he can return to the form he showed a couple years back. While it doesn’t matter for the actual standings, it’s good to see the Cubs looking more competitive in the second half.
On Deck
Chicago goes for the sweep Sunday at 12:40pm CT. Keegan Thompson takes on Justin Dunn in a game available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.