Bullpen wastes Wada’s solid debut, Cubs lose 6-5

Tsuyoshi Wada had a solid debut for the Chicago Cubs, but the bullpen couldn’t hold it for the first-time starter as the Cincinnati Reds rallied to beat the Cubs 6-5.

The Cubs (38-50) used the long ball to stake an early lead for the rookie Wada. Chris Coghlan, Anthony Rizzo, and Mike Olt all homered to give the Cubs a 5-0 lead. Things were looking good for Wada to pick up his first career win.

Enter the Cubs bullpen.

Not a single reliever was able to escape without allowing a run. The Reds (47-42) slowly chipped away at the Cubs bullpen, scoring one run against each reliever. Hector Rondon (1-3, 3.90) once again struggled in a non-save situation against the Reds, as he allowed three hits and the winning run in the ninth.

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After chasing the Reds starter David Holmberg after 2 2/3 innings, the Cubs found the going much tougher against the Reds pen. They allowed only four hits while striking out eight in 6 1/3 innings of relief. Logan Ondrusek (3-2, 4.45) picked up the win in relief.

Since the trade of Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to Oakland, the Cubs are winless, dropping five straight. Clearly those two leaving aren’t to blame, but the Cubs are playing uninspired baseball since the deal was made.

The Cubs continue the series against the Reds tomorrow as Dallas Beeler (0-1, 0.00) makes his second career start against the Reds Alfredo Simon (11-2, 2.78). First pitch is slated for 6:10 pm CT.