Biggest Takeaways From Chicago Cubs Loss To Reds
The Chicago Cubs dropped to 1-3 on the season with a 7-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ball Park on Monday. The Cubs pieced together a late rally with two outs in the ninth, but it ultimately wasn't enough.
Smyly Not Sharp
Starting pitcher Drew Smyly was not good in his first start of the season. Chicago spotted him three runs even before he toed the rubber, and the 33-year-old lefty gave it right back.
Smyly had good numbers against the Reds coming into this game -- 5-0 with a 2.91 ERA in seven career starts -- but he was knocked around on Monday night. He threw 93 pitches and finished with a final line of: 4.2 IP, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, and 1 HR.
The big blow in Smyly's outing was a three-run home run given up to former Cub Jason Vosler, effectively ending his night.
Offense Breaks Out
Despite their offensive struggles in the opening series, the Cubs busted out for six runs against the Reds.
Cody Bellinger got the party started with his first hit as a member of the Cubs, a three-run home run in the first inning.
Dansby Swanson stayed red-hot, collecting another three-hit game. The 29-year-old became the first Cubs player since 1901 with at least three 3-hit games in the team's first four games of a season.
Eric Hosmer also had a nice night, picking up his first and second hit with the organization, his second a two-run double in the fifth to put the Cubs up 6-4 at the time.
Thompson Dazzles
Keegan Thompson also had a good outing, his first since Opening Day. He took over for Smyly with two outs in the fifth inning, needing just two pitches to retire the side. And he made quick work of the sixth inning, freezing Tyler Stephenson on a 93-mph fastball on the outside edge to end the frame.
Aside from a double to Spencer Steer, Thompson went unblemished in his 3.1 innings of work. The 28-year-old retired the final eight batters in a row to give the bullpen arms a much-needed rest.
The Cubs will look to get back on track in Game 2 of this series on Tuesday night, with first pitch set for 5:40 pm CST.
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