The Cubs went into this afternoon’s game with a record of 4-11. After getting swept by Miami, they returned to Wrigley Field to play Dusty Baker and the Reds. After losing game one, they won game two – ending their 6-game losing streak. Going for their first series win today, the Cubs rallied late, but fell short 4-3 to the Cincinnati Reds.
Today marked the return of Randy Wells as he was called up after Ryan Dempster was placed on the DL and Marlon Byrd was traded to Boston. Even with a 1-0 record in 3 starts, Wells has struggled in AAA Iowa this year.
The game started out sketchy for Wells as he walked Drew Stubbs, gave up a double to Joey Votto, and then walked Ryan Ludwick. Facing a first inning disaster, Wells settled down and struck out the next two batters; Jay Bruce and Scott Rolen. Tony Campana returned to the Cubs on Saturday and made his first start today. He singled in the bottom of the first, but did not score.
The runs finally came in the top of the third when Drew Stubbs lead off with a single, followed by a Joey Votto double. Two outs later Scott Rolen singled, scoring Votto.
The Cubs came back in the bottom of the fifth when Joe Mather pinched hit for Randy Wells. He was hit by a pitch to lead off the bottom half of the inning. With two outs, Starlin Castro singled and thanks to a throwing error by Votto, Mather scored and Castro moved to second. Bryan LaHair followed with a base hit to tie the game at two a piece.
The lead didn’t last long for the Cubs as Rodrigo Lopez came in and walked the lead-off man, Ryan Hanigan. Two Geovany Soto errors later and the Reds had the bases loaded. Stubbs grounded into a fielders choice, scoring Hanigan. Scott Maine came in and struck out Votto, only to hit Ludwick and walk Jay Bruce to give up the Reds’ fourth run.
In the bottom of the ninth, former Cub Sean Marshall came in to close the game. Starlin Castro lead-off with a triple, Steve Clevenger struck out, Jeff Baker pinched hit and grounded out – scoring Castro. Ian Stewart stuck out to end the game as the Cubs lost 4-3, which puts their record at 4-12.
The Cubs end their home stand with a 3-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, starting tomorrow:
Monday, April 23rd, 7:05 CT, CSN
Matt Garza (1-1, 3.66 ERA) vs. Jaime Garcia (2-0, 3.06 ERA)
Tuesday, April 24th, 7:05 CT, CSN
Jeff Samardzija (2-1, 5.71 ERA) vs. Adam Wainwright (0-3, 9.88)
Wednesday, April 25th, 1:20 CT, WGN
Chris Volstad (0-2, 6.19 ERA) vs. Lance Lynn (3-0, 1.42 ERA)