Castro, Rizzo lift Cubs to 9-4 win over Reds

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Starlin Castro hit a game-tying RBI single in the third and Anthony Rizzo had three runs and two RBIs to lift the Cubs to a 9-4 win over the Reds Wednesday night at Great American Ballpark.

Edwin Jackson (2-2, 5.24 ERA) overcame a tough start to go 5 2/3 innings and get the win as the Chicago Cubs (8-17).

The Cubs scored first with a two-run home run from Rizzo, to go along with his career high four walks. The Reds responded in the bottom of the first when Todd Frazier scored two with a double. Brayan Pena gave the Reds their only lead with a solo shot in the second to go up 3-2 on the Cubs.

Castro continued his hot hitting, scoring Junior Lake on a single to tie it 3-3 in the third. Reds starter Tony Cingrani left after the fourth, while only throwing 79 pitches. The Cubs were able to add two more in the fifth off an injury laden Reds bullpen to take the lead for good. Nick Christiani (0-1, 4.91 ERA) took the loss for the Reds.

Hector Rondon looked as if he’d get a save chance, but the Cubs roughed up Reds reliever and former Cub Sean Marshall for four runs in the top half of the ninth to go up 9-4. Rondon did come in to closeout the ninth, but in a non-save situation.

Castro appeared to come up a little lame at second following his second double of the game in the ninth, but he remained in the game and later scored.

The Cubs have an off-day tomorrow before opening up a weekend series at Wrigley with the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. Probables for the opener are Travis Wood (1-3, 3.52 ERA) for the Cubs, and Adam Wainwright (5-1, 1.20 ERA) for the Cardinals. Friday’s game is a  2:20 ET scheduled first pitch.