Happ hits two-run home run, Cubs hit 17 in 13-4 rout of Reds
CINCINNATI — Ian Happ hit a two-run home run and the Chicago Cubs hit nine doubles among their 17 hits to beat the Cincinnati Reds 13-4 on Wednesday night and avoid a series sweep.
Seiya Suzuki, Patrick Wisdom and Pete Crow-Armstrong each had two-run doubles. Nico Hoerner, Christian Bethancourt and Cody Bellinger also drove in runs for the Cubs, who set career records for runs and hits this season. They struck early and never really let the Reds get back into the game.
Chicago crushed one of Cincinnati’s best pitchers, left-hander Nick Lodolo (8-4), who left with two outs in the sixth inning. He tied a career high by allowing eight runs and 11 hits in his worst outing of the season.
The Cubs hit nine doubles for the sixth time and first time since Aug. 30, 2010. They finished one run shy of the franchise record.
The Reds cut Chicago’s lead to 6-3 with a three-run home run by Jake Fraley in the fifth inning. Happ responded with a 424-foot shot in the sixth inning.
Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks (3-9) allowed three runs and four hits in five innings, striking out four and walking two.
Reds third baseman Santiago Espinal extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a single in the fifth inning. He also hit a double in the eighth inning and scored.
The Reds won 7-1 on Monday and 6-3 on Tuesday.
FOLLOWING
Cubs: Host the rival Cardinals in a four-game series. Chicago sends left-hander Shota Imanaga (8-2, 2.95 ERA, 111 KS) against St. Louis right-hander Sonny Gray (10-6, 3.79 ERA, 138 KS) in the opener Thursday night.
Reds: After a day of rest, they will host the San Francisco Giants in a weekend series. Left-handed pitcher Andrew Abbott (9-7, 3.38 ERA, 89 KS) is expected to start the opener.
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