Ian Happ Makes Reds Hapless

  

Reds killer, Ian Happ doubled with the bases loaded to allow the Chicago Cubs to salvage the final game with a 4-2 win to snap the Reds winning streak at seven games. The Cubs to forge a tie with the Reds in the National League Central Division at 32-34

Happ had been quiet going 0-for-11 in a place where he has had overwhelming success. That changed when he turned on a 3-2 pitch to drive in three runs. Reds' starter Frankie Montas had early trouble with command and walked two around a double by Seiya Suzuki. 

A native of Pittsburgh, Happ played college baseball at the University of Cincinnati. In 52 prior games at Great American Ball Park, Happ was hitting .309 with 17 home runs and 44 RBI.

The Cubs chased Montas from the game with a run in the second. Miguel Amaya doubled and scored on Mike Tauchman's single. Carson Spiers replaced Montas after he allowed four runs on five hits and three walks.

"It was one of those you're not in sync with your body. The mechanics mess with you. I couldn't throw the fastball up when I wanted.  My arm is healthy. My next bullpen I will figure why. I'll just flip the page," Montas said.

Spiers replaced Emilio Pagan, who is dealing with a tight right shoulder.

"I thought Montas was better in the second inning but by then he had to work so hard," David Bell said.

Luke Maile hit his second home run of the season, leading off the third against Imanaga. 

Spiers held the Cubs at four for 5 2/3 innings.

"He (Carson Spiers) has been great in the role," Bell said. "The way he's pitching, I don't want to get too far ahead. He's showing the kind of stuff that he'll have great success here."

He is the first relief pitcher since Joe Beggs in 1942 who has pitched at least three innings in his first four outings out of the bullpen.

"I like to think I'm a pretty level headed guy and take things day-by-day, Spiers said. "I think confidence comes with good outings. I believe in myself."

The Reds had just two hits going into the seventh. Spencer Steer and Johnathan India singled to start the inning. Santiago Espinal singled for the second time to drive Steer home but was thrown out advancing to second. Imanaga struck out TJ Friedl before Cubs' manager Craig Counsel called Mark Leiter Jr. in from the bullpen. The Reds countered with Jake Fraley batting for Maile. Fraley struck out to end the inning.

Buck Farmer held the Cubs in the ninth but Hector Neris retired the Reds in order for his ninth save. The Cubs had 11 hits, including three by Suzuki.

 Frankie Montas

David Bell

Carson Spiers