Chicago Cubs drop opener to Reds; Padres’ Venable a target?

Cubs allow three home runs in loss to Reds

The Chicago Cubs had been keeping the ball in the park, especially the starters. But a trip to Great American Ballpark is always likely to change that. Cubs starter Clayton Richard allowed two home runs, but it was Justin Grimm who allowed a two-run blast to the Reds Jay Bruce that was the critical blow.

After grabbing the lead back on a two-run double from Jorge Soler, the Cubs bullpen gave it back in the sixth inning with the Bruce home run. The Reds bullpen held the Cubs scoreless the rest of the way to take the series opener. The Cubs are 7-3 against the Reds this year, and don’t want to let off the gas at all in this series.

Could the Cubs pursue the Padres’ Will Venable? The rumor has surfaced, but our Jacob Misener sees no reason to do so. The Cubs already have Chris Coghlan, who is in all regards a similar type player. And honestly, his numbers flesh out better than Venable. The Cubs may make a deal at the deadline, but this shouldn’t be one as there ae other more important needs.

Former Cubs nemesis (current if you count the HR Derby) and current Angel Albert Pujols passed Mike Schmidt on the All-Time HR list with a three home run performance in their doubleheader on Monday. He now has 549 for his career, and also passed teammate Mike Trout for the AL lead in home runs.

These and other stories you may have missed:

‘Cubs bullpen mortal, allows go-ahead home run’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Will the Cubs pursue the Padres’ Venable?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Pujols passes Mike Schmidt on All-Time HR list’ – MLB.com

‘Top five hitters on the market’ – MLB Trade Rumors

‘Stanton cleared for ‘dry swings’ in rehab of wrist’ – ESPN.com

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