Chicago Cubs win behind strong outing from Dan Haren

Cubs collect victory in late-night win over Reds

After a lengthy delay, the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds finally took the field to play some baseball. The Cubs wasted no time by scoring all four of their runs in the first off of Reds’ rookie Josh Smith. The loss was the 10th in a row for the Reds. Dan Haren was impressive for the Cubs–by far his best outing–as he went 7 1/3 innings allowing no runs and only three hits.

The Cubs gained a half-game in the Wild Card race as the Cardinals and Pirates were postponed by rain. The Cubs have been eliminated from winning the Central, they still are alive for the top WWC spot and the chance to host the elimination game.

Starlin Castro has been one of the most talked about Cubs this season, and not always for the best. But after being benched by Joe Maddon, many thought it was just a matter of time before he was traded or possibly even released. Now he finds himself right in the middle of the Cubs success as he’s turned around his season and maybe even saved his career in Chicago.

At just 25, Castro has plenty of good years left in him. The move to second base seems to have helped defensively, and his bat has returned to the form we had come to expect. He’s earned his place on this year’s team and has made his claim moving forward as well.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Haren brings the thunder in win over the Reds’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs’ Castro a head above the rest’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs’ prospects receive honors’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Better Slugger: Schwarber of Bryant?’ – Cubbies Crib

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