Chicago Cubs, Kyle Hendricks sharp in a second-straight win at Wrigley

Despite hitter-friendly conditions, Kyle Hendricks allowed just two runs, leading the Chicago Cubs to a second-straight win over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Chicago Cubs’ offense got to work early and often, staking Kyle Hendricks to a comfortable lead. The reigning ERA leader took things from there, allowing just two runs on the night as the reigning champions clinched a series win with a 7-5 win over the Reds.

Hendricks (3-2, 3.35) overcame adversity, given the howling winds straight-out to left at Wrigley. He worked around trouble, scattering six hits and a pair of walks. Notably, the right-hander saw fastball velocity in the upper-80s, much higher than he posted early in the year.

After surrendering a run in the top of the first, Hendricks bounced back with a scoreless second. Chicago (20-19) got to work, hanging a five-spot in their half of the frame.

First, an Addison Russell RBI groundout tied the game. Both Kyle Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo drove balls through the right side, plating a pair of runs apiece to make it a 5-1 ballgame.

Cincinnati (19-20) edged closer in the third when Zack Cozart took advantage of the wind for his fourth long-ball of the season. But the Cubs answered right back with two more tallies, courtesy of a Hendricks bunt and a Jon Jay base knock that made it a 7-2 game.

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The Reds’ bats worked their way back into things late. Cincinnati plated three runs in the top of the seventh, making it a 7-5 contest.

That frame put an end to Mike Montgomery‘s 18-inning scoreless streak. All three tallies were charged to the lefty, despite Pedro Strop taking over in the frame.

Wade Davis came on to close out the two-run game, nailing down the save and win 1,001 for Joe Maddon.

The final out of the game was a reversed call Maddon challenged. Joey Votto grounded a ball up the middle. Addison Russell slid, fielded and threw to first. A stretch from Rizzo ended the game after the first-base umpire initially ruled Votto safe at first base.

What’s Next:

Chicago concludes its series against Cincinnati with a matinee game Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Jon Lester starts for the Cubs and Amir Garrett opposes him. First pitch is at 1:20 p.m. CT.

Next: Looking back at Maddon's road to 1,000 wins