Chicago Cubs: A tale of two games for the team so far in Cincinnati

After blowing out the Cincinnati Reds Thursday, the Chicago Cubs went quietly into the night on Friday as Trevor Bauer largely silenced the team’s offense.

The Chicago Cubs offense powered their way to 22 runs between Wednesday and Thursday’s contest, former World Series foe and current Cincinnati Reds hurler Trevor Bauer flipped the script. The right-hander, making his home debut with his new club, struck out 11 over seven dominant frames, allowing just three hits on the night.

Chicago had their chances to capitalize but wound up going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position, all but guaranteeing the series evening up and one game apiece. Despite allowing four earned runs, Cubs starter Yu Darvish pitched well – but it was one of those nights that just didn’t go his way.

It’s not stretching to say the Reds’ season hinges on this series – a sweep could have pushed them 11 games behind Chicago in the National League Central. After Friday’s win, Cincinnati enters Saturday seven games back, hoping to keep their postseason hopes alive.

So let’s take a look at what’s gone right and what’s gone wrong so far at Great American Ballpark.