Chicago Cubs overwhelm Cincinnati Reds 5-3 – MLB News
The Chicago Cubs on Thursday, August 9, made a decisive comeback to beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3 at Wrigley Field. Alfonso Soriano hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth to secure a much-need victory for the Cubs.
This was also the fifth consecutive defeat for the Reds as the team witnessed new slump after its meteoric rise. Carlos Marmol, who had come after the team had 5-3 lead, pitched a perfect ninth inning to help the Cubs score the decisive win.
But it was Soriano’s homer that was met with cheer and happiness. "I have to play hard just because those kids see me, and I'm the veteran on the team. So I have to show the kids how to play the game," Soriano said.
Being among the big number of young players now, Soriano – as an experienced player showed his class and did what was needed for the Cubs. But the defeat was another psychological blow for the Reds as the team is finding it difficult to regain its form.
It was Zack Cozart of the Reds who scored a homer in the first inning followed by a Ryan Ludwick’s run that gave the team 2-0 lead. But the Cubs' Anthony Rizzo made it 2-1 with his run. The Reds – however, responded with Todd Frazier’s homer in the fourth to make it 3-1 for the Reds.
Starlin Castro turned the tide for the team with his two-run double in the sixth inning, tying the score as the Reds once again failed to capitalise on the strength of their bullpen. As Sean Marshall came to keep the Cubs' hitters at bay, Alfonso Soriano hit the majestic two-run homer, giving the team ultimate lead in the game.
"Those kind of guys, they hit. They've always hit," the Chicago Cubs' manager Dale Sveum said. "That's what they were born to do."
Cubs' starter Chris Volstad gave up three runs in his six inning spell while Mike Leake also allowed three runs in his six innings. Shawn Camp of the Cubs pitched a perfect eighth inning followed by Marmol’s hitless ninth to give the Cubs a nice 5-3 win.
With the victory, the Cubs now have 1-0 lead in the four-game series whose second game will be played on Friday.
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