Chicago Cubs fall to Cincinnati Reds 3-2 at Wrigley Field

Arrieta allows 3 ER as Cubs fall to Reds

Turning in his roughest outing since last season, right-hander Jake Arrieta allowed three earned runs – all coming in the top of the fourth – as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Cincinnati Reds by a 3-2 final on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.

Arrieta served up five singles in the fourth, which led to the trio of Cincinnati runs – marking the first time since Aug. 28, 2014 that he allowed at least three earned runs in a start. The right-hander struck out five and walked one, while picking up his first loss of the season.

Chicago (4-3) cut into the Reds’ three-run lead in the bottom of the eighth, when pinch-hitter Welington Castillo took former Cubs’ closer Kevin Gregg deep for a two-run blast. However, the team didn’t tally any more runs, leaving the tying run at second in the bottom of the ninth when Aroldis Chapman struck out pinch-hitter Mike Olt to end the game and even the series at a game apiece.

Arrieta’s counterpart, Anthony DeSclafani, was purely dominant all-night-long, allowing just two base hits in seven innings of work in his Wrigley Field debut. The right-hander struck out five and he avoided danger – despite leaving several pitches up in the zone throughout the game.

Cincinnati (5-3) was led offensively by first baseman Joey Votto, who was a key part of the team’s three-run fourth inning, going 2-for-3 with a walk in the Reds win. He was the only Reds player to manage more than one hit.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

The Cubs were out-hit seven-to-five on Tuesday and the team went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.

What Stood Out:

While people will be quick to blame Arrieta for the three-run fourth, at least two of those balls were just out of the reach of third baseman Jonathan Herrera – who is filling in for the injured Tommy La Stella and Mike Olt – who, as noted, appeared in a pinch-hit role in the ninth.

Even with the three runs, he came up just one out shy of a quality start, despite turning in what some would deem a poor outing. If these are his “off-nights”, then the Cubs’ pitching staff is in good shape moving forward.

What’s Next:

Chicago (4-3) will conclude a three-game series against Cincinnati (5-3) on Wednesday at home behind left-hander Travis Wood (0-1, 5.79) who will be opposed by veteran right-hander and former Cub Jason Marquis (0-0, 4.50).

First pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. CT.