Chicago Cubs offense stifled in 6-2 loss to Cincinnati Reds

Despite RBI from Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ, the Chicago Cubs’ offense was largely quiet in a 6-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday afternoon.

Apart from a two-run seventh inning, the Chicago Cubs bats were silenced in Cactus League action Thursday, as Joe Maddon‘s club dropped a 6-2 decision on the road.

Those two runs came courtesy of two Chicago prospect, Eloy Jimenez and Ian Happ. The former plated the first Cubs’ tally on a sacrifice fly that scored Mark Zagunis. Happ followed later in the inning, scoring Bijan Rademacher and cutting into the Cincinnati lead.

Chicago (2-3), however, gave those runs right back as the Reds plated a pair in the bottom of the eighth.

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Left-hander Rob Zastryzny (0-1) was saddled with the loss, allowing a pair of runs over 2 2/3 innings of work. He surrendered three hits and struck out two on the afternoon. The Cubs went on to use seven relievers, who combined to allow four runs – only three of which were earned.

Cincinnati (1-6) was able to pick up its first win in Cactus League action this spring, after being stakes to an early advantage when Jose Peraza drove in a pair with a run-scoring triple in the bottom of the third.

Despite scoring half-a-dozen runs against Cubs pitching, the Reds did not hit a home run Thursday. They also added the aforementioned triple and a pair of doubles.

What Stood Out

Jason Heyward, who led off again for Chicago, went 0-for-3 and remains hitless so far this spring. The hitless game drops his OPS in Cactus League play down to a horrendous .083.

Next: Hammel talks free agency, leaving Chicago

Of course, success – or lack thereof – in spring training does not necessarily equate to what the upcoming season holds in store. But after putting up career-worst numbers last season, his first with the Cubs, pressure is mounting for the former All-Star.

Addison Russell, meanwhile, raised his average to .429 on the spring.