Chicago Cubs drop another to Reds; Jason Heyward proving his value

For the second consecutive day, the Chicago Cubs fell to the Cincinnati Reds on the road. Meanwhile, Jason Heyward continues to impress at the dish.

Thanks to another loss at the Great American Ballpark, the Chicago Cubs dropped another game back in the race for the National League Central Friday night.

They had their own share of issues, to be sure. But the team they’re chasing, the Milwaukee Brewers, pulled off late-inning magic to pick up a win over the Cardinals. After being no-hit into the late innings, they tied things up on a Jesus Aguilar homer (that also ended the no-no). Then, Aguilar lifted the Brew Crew to a win with a walk-off blast.

Talk about a day at the office, right?

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Heading into Saturday, Milwaukee holds a two game edge over Chicago in the division. St. Louis, meanwhile, trails by 6 1/2 games. Chicago still maintains a two-game lead in the NL Wild Card race, but, let’s be honest. The days of accepting a play-in game as a successful season are long gone. The goal is – and will remain – a third consecutive National League Central crown.

At least for his part over the last month, Jason Heyward is doing everything to lift his team to the top of the division. He’s been downright scorching hot with the bat, using the whole field and finally adding some extra-base magic to his offensive repertoire. We all, of course, knew it was there – somewhere – but were yet to see it in his first two years.

On the mound, Kyle Hendricks remains a bit of an enigma. At first glance, some of the numbers look pretty in-line with what we’ve seen from him. But he’s suffered at the hands of the long-ball  this year, and has failed to put away hitters late in counts. Can he figure it out? We’ll find out soon enough.

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These and other stories you may have missed

Heyward proving his value in year three with Chicago – Cubbies Crib

Cubs drop second straight to the Reds – Cubs Insider

Should we start worrying about Hendricks? – Cubbies Crib

Aguilar’s second HR a walk-off shot – MLB.com

Who poses the biggest threat in the National League? – Cubbies Crib

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What’s Next

Chicago looks to get things turned around in Cincinnati on Saturday.

Right-hander Luke Farrell makes his first start of 2018 this afternoon. He carries a 3.63 ERA out of the bullpen this season and faces Reds hurler Anthony DeSclafani.