Cubs Rain On Reds Parade

http://donatelifeohio.org/

On a soggy night in Cincinnati, Homer Bailey lasted 4 1/3 innings which is amazing considering that the first five Chicago Cubs' batters hit the ball like they knew what pitches were coming.

Ben Zobrist singled and Kris Bryant doubled within the first three pitches after an hour and a half of rain delay that cost fans some fireworks.  Anthony Rizzo, Willson Contreras and Addison Russell continued a hit parade that put three runs on the board on the way to an 8-1.

http://www.wiedemannbeer.com/

The Reds have a double header on Saturday made necessary by an April 3 rainout.

It was important that Bailey eat some innings and he did that.  Jackson Stephens gave the Reds' three good innings.  The Reds have called up Kevin Shackelford as their 26th man to add depth to the bullpen.  Austin Brice worked an inning.

“Homer battled,” Reds’ manager Jim Riggleman said. “Zobrist and Bryant had hits within three or four pitches to set the tone.  I tip my hat to Homer.  With the double header tomorrow, we needed to use as few pitchers as possible.  Jackson came in and saved us.  Homer was hit but we were down 4-0.  That’s not something we can’t overcome.  Jon Lester was the bigger issue.”

John Lester had the luxury of a uncontested six run lead.

The Cubs added one run in the fourth after a double play with the bases loaded, blunted another big rally.  Addison Russell's third hit of his career-high four on the night, setup a two run fifth when Kyle Schwarber doubled Russel home.  Schwarber scored on a safety squeeze by Lester.

Scooter Gennett broke up Lester's modest no-hitter with a single and Adam Duvall homered for the second straight day.  It was Duvall's team leading ninth of the season and spoiled Lester's shutout.

The Cubs added a run off Stephens and a run off Brice.

Lester left after six innings allowing one run on two hits. It was the fourth straight start that he had to deal with rain, including last night in Atlanta.

Bailey knew the Reds needed innings.

“I looked at the pitches and they hit some good ones.  That is frustrating.  They are a good offense and did a good job of hitting good pitches.  In the back of my mind, I knew I had to grind out some innings.  That’s what I tried to do.”