Travis Wood cruises as Chicago Cubs shutout Reds, 5-0

Travis Wood shuts down former team

On Jackie Robinson Day we saw a pitching match-up that pitted former Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis against former Reds pitcher Travis Wood for the Cubs – this game is the rubber match of the three-game series and would decide which team would end the day in first place.

The Reds entered the game in first (5-3) over the Cubs (4-3) by a half-game.

The Chicago Cubs came out of the gates swinging.  Anthony Rizzo in the two hole again for the Cubs crushed a two-run homer into the unfinished right field bleachers for a 2-0 Cubs lead after the first.

Chicago continued to add-on to the lead in the second – Starlin Castro led off the inning with a walk followed by an Arismendy Alcantara single. Travis Wood placed in the eighth spot, struck out swinging.  Jonathan Herrera starting the game at second base – singled to right, scoring Castro for a 3-0 Cubs lead. After a strikeout by Dexter Fowler – Jorge Soler stepped up to the dish with two out and the bases loaded.

Soler would get hit by a pitch – luckily he was okay and was able to take his base and Alcantara would walk in for the fourth run of the game. Soler more than earned that RBI.

After a scoreless third – Marquis continued to struggle on the mound for the Reds.  Fowler singled to center with one out, Rizzo would reach on a fielding error by Joey Votto while Soler drew a walk to fill the bases up again. Miguel Montero swatted a fly ball to center, scoring Fowler for a 5-0 Cubs lead.

While Marquis (0-1, 6.30 ERA) was struggling – it was very much the opposite for Travis Wood who was dealing right from the beginning. Wood (1-1, 2.31 ERA) went into the fourth inning without allowing a runner on the bases. Votto broke up the perfect game bid with a one-out walk. Two batters later the no-hitter also ended with a Brandon Phillips ground ball single to right.

Wood went into the eighth holding on to a shutout when he started to show signs of fatigue. Giving up a leadoff single to Brayan Pena and walking Zack Cozart – Joe Maddon decided to take the ball from Wood and go to the pen. Giving the nod to reliever Phil Coke – he would make quick work of the Reds – inducing a double play and another routine groundball, leaving Pena stranded on third base. 

The relievers would take care of the rest of the game – though Neil Ramirez who came into the ninth for Coke would exit facing one batter. At this time, it is unknown what the injury is. Brian Schlitter came in to finish the game.

The Chicago Cubs (5-3) take the game and their second consecutive series by a score of 5-0, finding themselves in first place ahead of the Cincinnati Reds (5-4).

What Stood Out:

Travis Wood (1-1, 2.31 ) was tremendous for the Cubs tonight – pitching seven shutout innings with only three hits allowed, two walks, and seven strikeouts.  He bounced back nicely after his first start where he was hit pretty well even though he only gave up three runs in that game.

Anthony Rizzo seems to be heating up at the plate – tonight going 1-for-4 with the two-run homer.

Starlin Castro also had a good day at the plate with two hits and a run scored – taking his average up to .323 early on.

Dexter Fowler has probably been the hottest of all the Cubs’ hitters – getting another two hits, two runs scored, and a walk tonight.

The Cubs jumped out early but did leave some runs off the board with missed opportunities – leaving 19 runners on base.

What is Next:

An off day for the Cubs on Thursday – they’ll be able to rest up and nurse some of the injuries they have on the team right now.  Mike Olt missed another start – hopefully he’ll be feeling better for Friday’s game.

We’ll also keep you posted on Neil Ramirez and what his status after tonight’s early exit.

Friday the Cubs will be back in action as they host the new and improved San Diego Padres.  The Padres (5-4) will start James Shields (1-0, 2.08 ERA) against the Chicago Cubs (5-3) who will match up Jason Hammel (1-0, 4.50 ERA) against San Diego.

Hammel will be tested against a very good lineup led by Matt Kemp and Justin Upton.  Kemp batting .368 on the season is looking for his first homer of the season.

As for Upton, he is also hitting the ball well with a .303 average, two homers, and six runs batted in.

The game time is set for 1:20 CT on Friday afternoon in Chicago.

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