Mahle, Reds keep rolling vs. Cubs, 3-2

[July 07, 2018]  Tyler Mahle pitched a career-high 6 2/3 effective innings as the Cincinnati Reds held on for a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs Friday afternoon in their first visit of the season to Wrigley Field.

Mahle (7-6) reached the seventh inning for the third time in his 22 career starts by limiting Chicago to a run on five hits. He beat the Cubs for the second time this season and won his fourth straight decision.

The right-hander recorded nine outs on the ground, struck out four and walked two. He threw 70 of 102 pitches for strikes and exited after walking pinch-hitter Ian Happ.

Then the Reds had to hold on for their 14th win in 18 games and fifth straight win over the Cubs.

Michael Lorenzen stranded two by getting Albert Almora Jr. on a popout to second baseman Scooter Gennett, who fought the sun while making the catch to end the seventh.

After Lorenzen allowed a hit to Javy Baez in the eighth, Kyle Crockett gave up a base hit to Anthony Rizzo and manager Jim Riggleman went to closer Raisel Iglesias.

Iglesias gave up a sacrifice fly to Ben Zobrist on a ball hit to the warning track in center. After intentionally walking Kyle Schwarber, Iglesias retired Willson Contreras to end the frame.

Iglesias allowed a one-out single in the ninth to Happ but won a lengthy encounter with Jason Heyward and notched his 17th save. It was his longest save of the season and 21st multi-inning save of his career.

Cubs starting pitcher Mike Montgomery (38) throws the ball against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Reds did not do much offensively as the wind was blowing in off Lake Michigan, but it was enough to get their fourth win in the last 14 visits to Wrigley.

Billy Hamilton recorded his second three-hit game and scored the third run on Gennett's sacrifice fly. Adam Duvall had a fourth-inning RBI base hit, and the Reds also scored on Scott Schebler's double-play grounder in the fourth.

Chicago saw its season-high six-game winning streak snapped and had its seven-game home winning streak stopped.

The Cubs scored their first run when Contreras scored on a groundout by Almora in the fifth.

Cubs left-hander Mike Montgomery (3-3) made his eighth start. He allowed three runs on six hits in five innings.

--Field Level Media

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