Rizzo hits 20th, but Cubs fall again; lose 4-1 to Reds

The offensive woes for the Chicago Cubs continue, well they continue for everyone except Anthony Rizzo. His solo home run in the third inning is all the Cubs (38-52) offense could muster as they dropped their sixth straight decision, losing 4-1 to the Reds on Wednesday night.

Dallas Beeler (0-2, 3.27) was solid up until the fifth, when he allowed three runs, including a two-run single to Jay Bruce as the Reds (49-42) moved out to a 4-1 lead. Beeler would finish out the inning, but would be saddled with his second straight loss.

For the Reds, Alfredo Simon (12-3, 2.70) continued his solid first half, picking up his 12th win of the season. He allowed only the one run, while striking out eight in 6 2/3 innings.

The Reds did however suffer some bad luck, as it appeared Brandon Phillips may have injured his wrist making a play on a ball in the eighth inning. As Phillips slid down it seemed his wrist bent back awkwardly. He would leave the game, and no report has been given to the injury’s extent.

Arismendy Alcantara, making his Major League debut found the going tough, as he went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts.

Cubs skipper Rick Renteria was ejected in the fifth for arguing a foul ball call.

The Cubs will close out the extended five game series with the Reds tomorrow in an 11:35 pm CT first pitch. Kyle Hendricks, acquired in the Ryan Dempster deal in July 2012, will make his Major League debut. Homer Bailey (8-5, 4.15) will take the mound for the Reds.