Russell’s two homers not enough as Chicago Cubs fall to Reds

After the Chicago Cubs put on a fireworks display of their own on Monday, they were unable to keep up with the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday afternoon. Lackey struggled to find the strike zone in a rare loss to their division rival.

It hasn’t happened often but for the second time this season, the Cincinnati Reds (31-54) managed to beat the first-place Chicago Cubs (52-31) by the final score of 9-5 at Wrigley Field.

Joe Maddon‘s starter, John Lackey (7-5, 3.50 ERA) had trouble to begin the game by walking back-to-back batter’s after recording the first out. Outfielder Billy Hamilton took advantage of a passed ball by David Ross and came around to score when Lackey failed to cover the plate in time.

First baseman Joey Votto ended up on the hot corner as a result of a throwing error by the veteran catcher and later crossed the plate on an RBI single off the bat of Brandon Phillips.

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Lackey was tagged for five earned runs on six hits, five walks, four strikeouts, and a home run in six innings of work. Shortstop Zack Cozart launched his 13th home run of the season in the top half of the second inning, putting his club up 3-0.

Chicago would end up digging deep with three home runs of their own during the home half of the third inning when facing a 5-0 deficit. Javier Baez swatted his ninth big fly of the season out to left field and Kris Bryant later followed suit with his 25th homer to cut Cincinnati’s lead down to three.

Shortstop Addison Russell had himself another great day at the plate and has had this Reds pitching staff wrapped around his finger all year.

Russell had a pair of homers today, the first coming after Bryant’s round trip in the third and the second was a solo shot to left-center field just two innings later.

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While the Cubs were attempting to rally, Maddon was ejected in the second inning for arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire. Ross took what he thought was ball four but was called a strike instead. This resulted in his skipper pleading his case until Jerry Meals had enough.

After crawling within just a run behind the Reds, Votto lined a double out to left field to make it a 7-5 ballgame. Jay Bruce extended his club’s lead with a two-run homer off Pedro Strop in the ninth inning.