CHICAGO — During a chilly, gusty day at Wrigley Field, Drew Pomeranz, Ben Brown, Brad Keller, and Daniel Palencia delivered an impressive pitching performance, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 2-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.
The Cubs opted for a strategic pitching rotation, starting with Pomeranz as the opener ahead of Brown. Pomeranz efficiently dispatched all three batters in the first inning, while Brown took charge with a spectacular six-inning stint, striking out nine batters to solidify the Cubs’ standing in the National League Central division.
The Cubs’ breakthrough came in the eighth inning. Seiya Suzuki lifted a flyball to right field, which was mishandled by Will Benson resulting in a timely RBI double. Following closely, Dansby Swanson sprinted to first base to secure an infield single, allowing Kyle Tucker to score.
In the later innings, Keller maintained the lead during the eighth, and Palencia closed the ninth for his fifth save of the season, marking the Cubs’ sixth shutout of the year.
Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo, though commendable with his six-inning five-hit effort, was let down by his team’s offensive struggles.
Brown, a towering 6-foot-6 figure, began his pitching by retiring 14 out of the first 15 batters faced. It wasn’t until TJ Friedl achieved Cincinnati’s sole hit with a single late in the sixth inning.
Notably, Brown previously struggled in the first innings of his initial 10 starts, bearing a 9.90 ERA. In his latest start against Cincinnati, he surrendered eight runs and seven hits within 4 1/3 innings.
A key defensive moment occurred courtesy of Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong who executed a spectacular diving catch, thwarting Friedl’s attempt for a second hit in the ninth inning.
Significantly, the game marked Pomeranz’s first start since August 7, 2019. During his tenure since joining the Cubs in an April trade with Seattle, Pomeranz has clocked 13 2/3 scoreless innings over 15 appearances.
The series continues Sunday with Reds right-hander Nick Martinez, registering a 3-5 record with a 3.48 ERA, opposing Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon, who holds a 4-3 record with a 3.86 ERA.
Home Ben Brown shines in Cubs' 1-hit win over Reds 2-0