Ian Happ hit a two-run homer, and the Chicago Cubs collected 17 hits, including nine doubles, in a 13-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night to avoid a series sweep.
Seiya Suzuki, Patrick Wisdom, and Pete Crow-Armstrong each had a two-run double. Nico Hoerner, Christian Bethancourt, and Cody Bellinger also contributed RBIs for the Cubs, who set season records for runs and hits. They scored early and kept the Reds from making a comeback.
The Cubs had a strong game against one of Cincinnati’s top pitchers, left-hander Nick Lodolo (8-4), who left the game with two outs in the sixth inning. He allowed eight runs and 11 hits, tying his career high for runs allowed in a game, making it his worst performance of the season.
The Cubs’ nine doubles were their most since Aug. 30, 2010, and they were just one short of the franchise record.
“We hit a lot of balls hard,” manager Craig Counsell said.
The Reds managed to close the gap to 6-3 with a three-run homer by Jake Fraley in the fifth inning. Happ’s 424-foot homer in the sixth inning added more runs for the Cubs.
“The last pitch to Happ stood out,” Lodolo said. “That’s the one pitch I want back.”
Reds manager David Bell didn’t worry too much about Lodolo’s rough outing. He noted that Lodolo has been a reliable part of the rotation but has recently struggled with a finger blister.
“He’s going to be all right,” Bell said. “He did some things tonight that will help him get better. He got ahead but wasn’t able to put guys away. We’re not concerned about him. Obviously, it wasn’t his best night. The fastball velocity was there, throwing strikes and getting ahead.”
Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks (3-9) gave up three runs and four hits in five innings, with four strikeouts and two walks. He said the strong offensive performance gave him plenty of support.
“Unbelievable at-bats by the guys. I mean, slug all over the place,” Hendricks said. “Just putting together good at-bats. It’s a really good way to end the series there. And the defense, guys making all the plays.”
