Oof. So that’s what a thumping feels like. I’d almost forgotten.
John Lackey looked sharp the first time through the order, but he started giving up harder contact as the game went on, and by the time he was bounced from the game in the sixth inning, the Reds had managed a quick hit-hit-homer off of him before Joe Maddon even really had a chance to get the pen up and going.
From there, the Reds poured it on (“enough already”?) the Cubs’ bullpen, which had its roughest night of the season by far.[adinserter block=”1″]
There were some good things in the game – Addison Russell had a really nice day at the plate and in the field (even his “error” actually could have been an incredible play with a better scoop at first base by Anthony Rizzo), and Javier Baez once again looked good at third. The offense produced relatively well, and walked as much as they struck out – they won’t lose too many games in which that happens.
Full box score.[adinserter block=”2″]