Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/4/23): Cubs 12, Reds 5 – Late Explosion Evens Series

The Cubs were hoping to snap a three-game losing streak at the Great American Ball Park on Tuesday night and things looked good when they jumped out to an early lead. That faded quickly, but they exploded on Cincinnati’s bullpen to take home a blowout victory.

Just like on Monday night, the Cubs scored in the 1st inning. Nico Hoerner singled to lead off the game and came around to score on a Trey Mancini sacrifice fly, then the Reds tied it in the bottom of the frame with a Jake Fraley single off of Hayden Wesneski.

Wesneski had some control issues in his first start of 2023 and was mostly able to pitch around it, though he fell victim to a pair of solo home runs. TJ Friedl got him in the 3rd inning and Jason Vosler blasted his second of the series in the 4th. Eric Hosmer cut the Reds lead to 3-2 with an RBI single in the 6th.

The first two Cubs hitters reached base in the 7th inning before Ian Happ doubled down the line in left. The floodgates opened from there, as Mancini and Patrick Wisdom singled to give Chicago a 6-3 edge. By the end of the inning, it was an 8-3 tally.

Each team would score some more late runs and the Cubs won comfortably. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs found themselves in the exact same spot as Monday, down one run with two on and nobody out in the 7th inning. Instead of bunting, they let their power hitter swing away and the result was worlds better.

Why the Cubs Won

They were able to take advantage of Cincinnati’s shaky bullpen, unlike the previous game.

Stats That Matter

• Wesneski was probably just a little amped up in his first start: 4.2 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 4 K, and 2 BB.
• Happ had three hits and two walks in a huge game Tuesday.
• Hoerner had three knocks of his own including two doubles.
• Cody Bellinger got on base four times as he starts to heat up.

Bottom Line

The Cubs really needed a game where the offense came up big and they finally got that. If Bellinger and Mancini can contribute with the bats like they did Tuesday, Chicago might be able to contend. Still a big if.

On Deck

The deciding game of the series is Wednesday at 11:35am CT as Marcus Stroman and Hunter Greene face off on the mound. As always, coverage is available on Marquee and 670 The Score.