Chicago Cubs: Kyle Hendricks’ strong start wasted as bats come up empty

Kyle Hendricks pitched his best game of the season, but the Chicago Cubs’ bats failed to come through late in a 2-1 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.

Despite right-hander Kyle Hendricks pitching into the seventh, keeping the Cincinnati Reds off the board, the Chicago Cubs suffered a tough 2-1 loss on Tuesday night.

Hendricks tossed 6+ frames, scattering five hits and four walks. He gave way to Carl Edwards Jr. in the seventh. After struggling of-late, the lanky right-hander struck out the side to work out of a jam and preserve the scoreless tie

Unfortunately, that tie did not last long. Cincinnati (50-70) took advantage of a Joey Votto walk in the eighth to break the seal. After Votto drew a one-out walk, Adam Duvall singled to left-center. Jon Jay, in no-doubles defense, cut the ball off and checked Votto at third.

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But Scooter Gennett followed with a hard-hit sacrifice fly to right field off Pedro Strop, allowing Votto to trot in from third for the game’s winning run.

The Cincinnati first baseman inched closer to history on Tuesday. He drew three walks in the contest. By doing so, he extended his consecutive game streak of reaching base multiple times to 20. He sits just one game shy of the all-time mark of 21-straight set by Ted Williams.

A forgettable eighth

Chicago (62-56) squandered an opportunity to tie things up in the bottom of the eighth. After back-to-back walks to open the frame, Ian Happ struck out for the first out of the inning.

Kris Bryant stepped in against Reds closer Raisel Iglesias, who entered for a five-out save. The right-hander got Bryant to pop out behind second base for the second out of the inning. The outcome of the inning now rested with Anthony Rizzo.

Iglesias lost control on a breaking ball, and it caught Rizzo on the leg. With the bases loaded, catcher Victor Caratini dug in with the game on the line. The Reds closer made quick work of the rookie backstop, getting him swinging on a pitch that bounced in front of home plate, ending the threat.

Cincinnati added insurance in the top of the ninth against left-hander Justin Wilson. A Billy Hamilton RBI single made it 2-0. With two men on, Wilson struck out Votto to limit the damage in the frame. But, too little, too late.

And some more of the same

In both the eighth and ninth innings, the Cubs opened the frame with two men on and nobody out. In the ninth, Kyle Schwarber put together a tremendous at-bat before lining a ball into right-center field. Jason Heyward followed with a knock of his own to left field, bringing up Javier Baez.

Baez put down a perfect sac bunt, advancing both men into scoring position. Veteran Ben Zobrist sent Wrigley into a frenzy, lining a ball into right to score Schwarber and cut into the Reds’ lead. After Jon Jay struck out swinging, Alex Avila took strike three looking to end the ballgame.

What’s Next

Homer Bailey (4-6, 8.31 ERA) battles John Lackey (10-9, 4.82 ERA) on Wednesday night at Wrigley.

The Chicago right-hander is yet to lose a start in the second half. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. CT.