The Chicago Cubs missed several chances on Friday night as they fell 6-4 to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The Cubs, aiming for the top National League wild-card spot, struggled with execution across the board.
Ninth-Inning Rally Falls Short
A critical moment occurred in the top of the ninth. Michael Busch walked with one out, bringing the tying run to the plate. Alex Bregman hit a deep 383-foot flyout, unable to score. Ian Happ, who had earlier homered, hit a foul ball near the right-field pole. Busch attempted to steal second when Reds closer Emilio Pagán threw a pitchout. Busch was initially called safe but was overturned after a review, ending the game.
“That was bad, that was a dumb play,” Manager Craig Counsell commented. “I’ll take responsibility for it,” he added.
Busch acknowledged his mistake, stating, “Just pretty inexcusable on my part.”
Struggles with Runners in Scoring Position
The Cubs left nine runners on base, going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The bottom of the order was productive, with Happ, Nico Hoerner, Michael Conforto, Carson Kelly, and Dansby Swanson accounting for eight hits and two walks. Swanson returned from an oblique injury, finishing with one hit, a walk, and a run scored.
Pete Crow-Armstrong had a tough game, going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts, despite having nine total runners on base during his at-bats. Bregman also struggled, finishing hitless in five attempts.
Offensive Woes Continue
Seiya Suzuki, with a .157 average in September, hit a go-ahead two-run single in the fourth but struck out three times, including with the bases loaded in the second inning. Despite opportunities, the Cubs couldn’t capitalize.
“We had really good opportunities,” Counsell said. “We just didn’t get the hits.”
Pitching and Defensive Issues
Right-hander Clay Holmes walked five in 5 1/3 innings, giving up six runs on three hits. A throwing error on a pickoff attempt contributed to a three-run sixth inning for the Reds.
“I just couldn’t finish the outing,” Holmes admitted. “The walks hurt us. It’s something we need to figure out.”
Playoff Picture
The Cubs’ magic number to clinch a playoff spot dropped to three, helped by an Arizona Diamondbacks loss. The Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres are tied atop the wild-card standings with eight games left.
“Every team wants to feel strong going into the playoffs,” Kelly stated. “This team can do incredible things when we focus on each day as it comes.”
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