Kyle Schwarber launched a two-run, game-tying homer off J.J. Hoover with no outs in the ninth inning Tuesday night, and then lined a solo home run in the 13th to give the Cubs a 5-4 victory over the Reds at Great American Ball Park.
At the plate
Schwarber’s four-hit, four-RBI performance overshadowed an otherwise stagnant offense that was 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Kris Bryant struck out three times in his final five plate appearances, and Anthony Rizzo was 0-for-6.
On the mound
Left-hander Travis Wood relieved Jason Hammel in the sixth and retired the first four batters he faced before allowing two hits before Todd Frazier two-run single off Pedro Strop. Jason Motte pitched two scoreless innings to earn the victory and Justin Grimm earned his second save.
In the field
Shortstop Starlin Castro made a bare-handed stop and threw quickly to first to retire Brayan Pena for the first out in the eighth.
Key manager decision
Reds shortstop Eugenio Suarez was allowed to swing at a 3-0 pitch and flied to right to start the 11th.
The quote
“Give us a little more time to put this together. I like the direction.” — manager Joe Maddon
Up next
At Reds, 11:35 a.m. and 5:10 p.m. Wednesday, ABC-7.
