Chicago Cubs Blanked 6-0, Cincinnati Reds Avoid Sweep

Sep 11, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs failed to reach their first three-game sweep on Wednesday afternoon at Great American Ball Park against the Cincinnati Reds.

Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija gave up a three-run home run to pinch hitter Jack Hannahan in the sixth inning which highlighted the Reds 6-0 victory.

Todd Frazier double down the left field line advanced Jay Bruce to third, and both runners scored on grounders to second for a 2-0 Reds lead in the second inning.

With two-out, in the third Samardzija (8-12, 4.44 ERA) gave up a single and back-to-back walks to load the bases before striking out Xavier Paul to end the inning.

Devin Mesoraco hit a solo home run to left field in the fourth inning to push the Reds lead to 3-0.Hannahan’s three-run pinch hit home run in the sixth inning doubled the Reds lead.

With runners at first and second the Cubs failed to rally in the top of the third, Reds starter Mike Leake (13-6, 3.35 ERA) struck out Anthony Rizzo and Nate Schierholtz grounded out to first.

Samardzija allowed eight hits and six runs, struck out five and walked three in 5 2/3 innings. Leake also went 5 2/3 innings, gave up four hits and zero runs, struck out six and walked four.

Cubs left-hander Chris Rusin (2-3, 2.89 ERA) and Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Jeff Locke (9-5, 3.23 ERA) are the starters for the four-game series opener in Pittsburgh on Thursday night at 6:05 p.m. CT (WGN/WGN 720).

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