TJ Friedl drives in late game-winner as Reds nip Cubs

TJ Friedl’s clutch seventh-inning hitting and a replay reversal helped the visiting Cincinnati Reds defeat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on Monday in the first of a three-game series between the National League Central playoff contenders.
Friedl’s blooper to shallow center on a 2-2 pitch from Caleb Thielbar was the Reds’ third two-out in the inning. His single brought home Jake Fraley, who doubled to right center off Ryan Braiser (0-1), as the go-ahead run.
Tyler Stephenson homered for the Reds, while Dansby Swanson hit a two-run shot to account for the Cubs’ offense. The two teams only combined for nine hits in what became a bullpen game due to both starters exiting early with injuries. The teams combined to use 12 pitchers.
Reds starter Nick Lodolo retired the first five Cubs he faced but left after throwing a first-pitch strike to Justin Turner. The team later announced the 27-year-old left-hander had a blister on the index finger of his throwing hand.
Nick Martinez entered and allowed Swanson’s homer, a two-run shot in the third that scored Ian Happ after he led off the inning with a single.
Scott Barlow (5-0) allowed just two walks, struck out four in two innings and kept the Cubs from adding to their lead.
Michael Soroka’s debut for Chicago lasted just two innings. He allowed just one hit, Stephenson’s homer, before Ben Brown replaced him on the mound. The Canadian right-hander, who also celebrated his 28th birthday on Monday, left due to right shoulder discomfort, the team announced.
Brown cruised through his first three innings, but McLain reached on an infield single with one out in the sixth. The Reds second baseman scored the tying run when Elly De La Cruz hit a check-swing double down the left field line.
The Cubs appeared to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh on a two-out chopper by Swanson, who was initially ruled safe with an infield single plating Willi Castro. However, the Reds challenged the call, and replay showed Swanson missed the bag as Ke’Bryan Hayes’ throw resulted in an inning-ending out.
Emilio Pagan pitched a perfect ninth for his 24th save.