Cincinnati Reds Lose Heartbreaker, Fall to the Cubs 7-6 in Extra Innings

Apr 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder

(32) strikes out during the tenth inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

WP: Hector Rondon (1-0)

LP: Manny Parra (0-1)

The Cincinnati Reds went on the road for the first time this year, starting a three game series against the Chicago Cubs.

The Reds got off to a quick start against the Cubs in the first inning against Jon Lester when Joey Votto tripled off of a first-pitch fastball with one out. Todd Frazier followed with an RBI double, Brandon Phillips singled, and Marlon Byrd drove in Frazier with a 5-3 put out. Jay Bruce then drove in another run for the Reds, hitting an RBI single and driving in Phillips, making the score 3-0, and then followed with a stolen base, his first of the year.

The Cubs quickly answered in the bottom of the first inning when Anthony Rizzo singled and was driven in off of a two-run shot by Jorge Soler. The Cubs continued their offense with a double by Chris Coghlan, and an RBI single by Starlin Castro, tying the game at 3-3.

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The Reds had an opportunity in the second inning, with Zack Cozart on first. Jon Lester made a horrible pick-off throw to first base that sailed over first baseman Rizzo’s head, but Cozart over-zealously tried for third base and was thrown out by a mile by Soler.

The Reds were able to take the lead in the sixth inning starting with a one-out single by Phillips, followed by a RBI double by Byrd, and another RBI double by Bruce, making the score 5-3. Bruce advanced to third on a Brayan Pena single and was driven in on a fielder’s choice by Cozart making the score 6-3 Cincinnati.

The Cubs again answered quickly in the bottom of the sixth inning when Coghlan starting the inning with a solo home run, making the score 6-4.

Jumbo Diaz came in to pitch in the eighth inning and instantly struggled with his control, walking Rizzo, then giving up a two-run home run to Soler, tying the game at six.

Manager Bryan Price decided not to have Aroldis Chapman pitch in the tenth inning and instead brought in Manny Parra for reasons beyond me.  Parra promptly loaded the bases in the tenth inning, giving up a hit, two walks and a wild pitch and was taken out before getting a single out. Burke Badenhop came in to relieve Parra but gave up the winning single as the Cubs beat the Reds 7-6 in the tenth inning.

Up Next: The Reds will be at it again tomorrow as they play the Cubs in the second game of a three game series. Anthony DeSclafani will make his second start in a Reds uniform while Jake Arrieta will get the ball for the Cubs. First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET.

Next: Reds call up Skipworth and Smith, Send Iglesias and Dominguez to AAA