Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/29/24): Reds 7, Cubs 1 -Taillon Pounded Day Before the Deadline

Despite rumors swirling around the last couple of days, Jameson Taillon was not traded and made his scheduled start for the Cubs Monday in Cincinnati. The big righty probably wished he had been scratched after the Reds rocked him for six runs in a blowout loss.

Cincinnati did almost all their damage against Taillon via a pair of home runs. Will Benson hit a majestic two-run blast down the right field line in the 2nd inning that made it 2-0, then TJ Friedl put the game on ice with a line-drive three-run homer to give his team a 6-0 lead in the 5th.

Cubs hitters could do nothing against Reds starter Carson Spiers or the bullpen, getting just three hits the entire game. New Chicago reliever Nate Pearson gave up a home run to Jeimer Candelario in the 8th and then was ejected after hitting Tyler Stephenson in the helmet with his next pitch. For what it’s worth, it looked like it was unintentional.

Michael Busch hit a solo shot in the 9th to prevent another Cubs shutout as Cincinnati went on to a 7-1 victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs got runners on first and second with two out in the top of the 1st. Mike Tauchman struck out to end the inning and that was the last time the Cubs had more than one runner on base Monday.

Why the Cubs Lost

The home runs definitely hurt, but the offense going right back into hibernation made it a moot point.

Stats That Matter

• Taillon made two big mistakes and he really paid for them: 4.1 IP, 6 R, 6 H, 4 K, and 1 BB.

Bottom Line

The fact that Taillon actually made his start on Monday probably means he won’t get traded, but either way it had to affect him somewhat regardless. It’s unclear how big that impact was and how much of this clunker was just a bad night. The Cubs still cannot find any consistency on offense, so maybe their new third baseman can help?

On Deck

Game two of the series starts after the trade deadline Tuesday at 6:10pm CT. Justin Steele was supposed to face off against Frankie Montas, but the Reds’ starter is now TBD after Montas was traded to the Brewers. Broadcasts are available on Marquee and 670 The Score.