Chicago Cubs Fall Short Against Cincinnati Reds, Leaving Opportunities Unclaimed

CINCINNATI — The Chicago Cubs, aiming to capture the top National League wild-card spot, faced multiple setbacks on Friday night at the Great American Ball Park, resulting in a 6-4 defeat to the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cubs encountered pivotal moments that might be viewed as missed chances. One critical instance occurred in the ninth inning as they tried to spark a comeback. Michael Busch drew a one-out walk, putting Alex Bregman at the plate with the potential tying run. Bregman’s deep flyout reached 383 feet but fell short. Ian Happ, who had hit a home run earlier, narrowly missed a 107.9 mph fastball by Emilio Pagán, the Reds closer, down the right-field line, just foul.

Busch attempted to advance on the pitch, with the Reds opting not to hold him on first base. On the following pitch, Reds catcher Jose Trevino alerted Pagán for a pitchout, sending a precise throw to second. Although initially called safe, Busch’s attempt was overturned upon review, concluding the game with the Cubs’ defeat.

Manager Craig Counsell expressed frank criticism of Busch’s mistake, labeling the play as “bad” and “dumb,” accepting responsibility for the error. Busch echoed the sentiment, admitting the mistake and emphasizing a need for better judgment in future pivotal moments.

The Cubs (85-69) struggled to capitalize on scoring chances throughout the game, leaving nine runners stranded and achieving only 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The bottom half of their lineup generated significant activity. Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Michael Conforto, Carson Kelly, and Dansby Swanson collectively contributed eight of the Cubs’ nine hits and included two walks and a hit by pitch. Swanson, returning from an oblique injury that sidelined him for a month, marked his comeback with a 1-for-3 performance, along with a walk and a run scored.

Pete Crow-Armstrong particularly struggled offensively. He finished with a 0-for-5 record, striking out three times, while drawing nine total runners in his attempts. Similarly, Bregman experienced difficulty, going hitless in five at-bats.

Seiya Suzuki attempted to overcome his offensive difficulties, having entered the game with a .157 average and .563 OPS in September. Suzuki managed a crucial go-ahead two-run single in the fourth but also fell victim to three strikeouts, including one with loaded bases in the second inning facing Reds starter Chase Burns.

“We had really good opportunities,” Counsell stated. “We had the right guys up. We just didn’t get the hits tonight.”

The struggles extended to the Cubs’ pitching. Right-hander Clay Holmes battled control problems, issuing five walks over 5 1/3 innings and allowing six runs on three hits. Holmes added to the woes by making a throwing error on a pickoff attempt during a chaotic three-run inning that gave the Reds the decisive edge.

“I just couldn’t finish the outing,” Holmes admitted. “Walking the leadoff guy in the sixth inning proved costly. The walks have hurt us recently. It’s been difficult to complete these outings, something I need to focus on… We’ll work to make better pitches throughout and improve.”

Despite the setback, the Cubs find their magic number to secure a playoff spot reduced to three after the Arizona Diamondbacks’ loss later on Friday. Additionally, the Philadelphia Phillies also falter, but the San Diego Padres’ victory ties the three teams atop the wild-card standings.

“Every team aims to enter the playoffs with momentum,” Kelly said. “Our team’s strength lies in treating each day as new. We don’t look too far ahead. Every game feels significant, but reflection reveals that April matches bear equal weight.”

Kelly continued, praising the Cubs’ capability to embark on impressive streaks, hinging on consistently focusing on daily efforts.