Cubs Score 4 In 1st, Beat Reds 4-1 After Long Rain Delay
CINCINNATI (AP) — A rested Dan Haren gave the Chicago Cubs what they expected when they traded for him in July.
Haren pitched into the eighth inning on Tuesday night, and Miguel Montero doubled home two runs during Chicago's four-run first inning, leading the Cubs to a 4-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds following a long rain delay.
The Cubs already have clinched a spot in the NL wild-card game for their first playoff berth since 2008. They trail Pittsburgh by three games for home-field advantage. The Pirates' game against first-place St. Louis was rained out on Tuesday.
Haren (10-9) made his 10th start for the Cubs, who acquired him in a trade with Miami on July 31. The right-hander allowed three hits in 7 1/3 scoreless innings, struck out six and didn't walk a batter. Travis Wood got a game-ending double play for his third save in as many chances.
"He was outstanding," manager Joe Maddon said. "That's really the best he's thrown the ball for us. He had great carry on the ball tonight. You could see it in the hitters' reaction.
"Danny was very focused tonight. He was fun to watch."
Haren hadn't pitched since Sept. 18, using his time away from the mound to rest and work on his pitches.
"I got traded here and I haven't pitched as well as in Miami," Haren said. "The last few times out have been a lot better. I'm confident I can get the job done."
The Reds lost their season-high 10th straight game, their longest slump since they dropped 11 straight in 1998. They have got a bad combination: An all-rookie rotation and an offense in a deep slump. Josh Smith (0-3) gave up four runs, six hits and five walks in five innings.
The Reds have scored two runs or less seven times during their slump. They managed only three singles during a 5-1 loss to Washington on Monday.
Rain held up the first pitch for 2 hours, 31 minutes. The 18th delay at Great American Ball Park brought the season total to 26 hours, 57 minutes. The Cubs were involved in one of three postponed games at GABP, one that was called off after a 4:13 delay.
That one has stuck in their memory. When Maddon walked into the dugout before the game on Tuesday, he looked up at the rain and said, "Get out! It's raining in Cincinnati?"
It didn't take his team long to take control of the delayed game. Chicago sent eight batters to the plate in the first inning for four runs on the wet field. Montero's double highlighted the 17-minute rally, which included two errors by the Reds.
STREAKS AND SUCH
Kris Bryant extended his hitting streak to five games (8 for 20). ... Dexter Fowler scored his 100th run, the first Cubs player to cross the plate so many times since Mark DeRosa in 2008.
A DIFFERENT 30/30
Anthony Rizzo of the Cubs was hit by a pitch for the 30th time. He joined Don Baylor (1986) as the only major league players to be hit by pitches 30 times and hit 30 homers in a season.
SCHWARBER BACK HOME
Cubs catcher Kyle Schwarber singled twice and walked twice. Schwarber grew up nearby and attended games at Great American Ball Park while growing up. The rookie is 9 for 18 at GABP with two homers.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Reds: CF Billy Hamilton had surgery Tuesday on his right shoulder, injured while trying to make a diving catch. He has to let the shoulder heal for four to six weeks before resuming activities. ... 3B Todd Frazier strained his right Achilles while trying to make a sliding catch of a foul ball. He left the game in the fourth.
UP NEXT
Cubs: Jon Lester (10-12) has struck out 198 batters, four shy of Ken Holtzman's club record from 1970 for strikeouts by a Cubs left-hander. He is 0-0 with a 4.74 ERA in three starts against the Reds this season, although the Cubs have won all three games.
Reds: Anthony DeSclafani (9-12) has lost his last two starts, giving up 12 runs in 11 innings. He allowed a season-high seven runs in a 12-9 loss to the Mets in his last outing.
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