Chicago Cubs Notes: Offense hopes to avoid sputtering in second game v. Reds

After pushing across 15 runs in the series opener, the Chicago Cubs’ offense hopes to avoid a common trend Tuesday: struggling after a big performance.

Too many times this season, the Chicago Cubs’ offense hangs a big number on an opponent only to score maybe one or two runs the next night. After blowing out the Cincinnati Reds by a 15-5 margin Monday night, the bats look to stay hot behind right-hander Kyle Hendricks.

In the opener, Anthony Rizzo homered and drove in five runs. Javier Baez and Kris Bryant also homered, with the latter creeping steadily closer to the .300 mark. Reliever Mike Montgomery, who came on in relief of starter Jose Quintana, drove in runs with a double of his own as Chicago broke things wide open in the middle innings.

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Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.70) takes the ball for the Cubs on Tuesday night. In nine career outings against Cincinnati, the reigning Major League Baseball ERA champ owns a 3.81 earned run average.

Opposite Hendricks, rookie right-hander Luis Castillo starts for the Reds. He is 2-5 with a 3.73 ERA with a lively fastball. In his career, he has never faced the Cubs, so it’s anyone’s guess how the matchup will play out.

Joey Votto, who doubled down the line even with four Cubs defenders in the outfield Monday, is nearing history. He reached base multiple times in 19-straight games and is now just two games away from Ted Williams‘ all-time mark.

Starting lineups

Next: Baez continues to do big things for the Cubs

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.