Cubs Recap: Chicago completes sweep of the Reds behind Jackson’s bat

Jackson continues to drive in runs for Cubs

Outfielder Austin Jackson, who drove in five runs yesterday, recorded his first home run as a member of the Chicago Cubs in the 5-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds, completing the three-game sweep.

Jackson’s ninth big fly of the season was a three-run shot during the top half of the third inning, bringing both Addison Russell and Dexter Fowler around to score with him.

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With the Cubs (94-65) still leading the Reds (63-96) in the fifth inning, Fowler reached safely on an infield hit and Jackson followed that up with a six-pitch one out walk to keep the line moving for Starlin Castro.

Castro homered in yesterday’s game, but he would line out to right fielder Jay Bruce for the second out of the inning, leaving it up to first baseman and N.L. MVP candidate, Anthony Rizzo.

Rizzo worked the count to 2-2 before driving an 84 miles per hour cutter to left field for a ground-rule double, scoring Fowler from second to make it a 4-0 ball game.

Chris Denorfia extended Chicago’s lead to 5-0 on a base knock of his own to plate Jackson from third.

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Right-hander Jason Hammel (10-7, 3.74 ERA) pitched fairly well today, holding Cincinnati to five hits with as many strikeouts prior to exiting the game after the fifth inning.

He found himself in a bit of trouble during the home half of the third inning with runners on second and third and Brandon Phillips in the batter’s box.

Phillips would line out to Jackson in right field for the third and final out of the inning. But eventually, the Reds made things difficult with a three-run seventh inning.

Both Joey Votto and Phillips cut into Chicago’s lead with a pair of RBI singles off Clayton Richards and Trevor Cahill, all of which were unearned.

Fernando Rodney opened up the frame but was unable to record the final out of the frame following an Addison Russell error.

Closer Hector Rondon entered the game in the ninth inning and recorded his 29th save of the season to make his 2014 total. He’ll have the opportunity to reach 30 or more this weekend when the Cubs travel to Milwaukee to battle with the Brewers in their final regular season road series before the playoffs.

Next: Who would be the No. 3 starter in the postseason?