The much-maligned bullpen, though, kept the Cubs’ bats quiet - runless innings from Tony Santillan, Alexis Diaz and Art Warren before Strickland made is shaky save in the ninth.Īfter losing the first two games of the four-game series, 7-4 and 11-4, the Reds righted themselves for a day and put themselves in position to split the series with a win Thursday afternoon behind pitcher Hunter Greene.Īs has happened time and again this season, the Reds starting pitcher struggled mightily in the first inning. Votto’s home run, his second of the year, came in the second and his two-run triple came in the third. It was Strickland’s first save in three years. Strickland ended it by striking out Christopher Morel. Pinch-hitter Nicol Hoerner blooped a single to right, scoring Wisdom to make it 4-3 and put the tying run on third. Pinch-hitter Willson Contreras drove one to deep right center, and Nick Senzel speedily chased it down with a leap against the wall, one of three ultra-special defensive plays Senzel made on this night.
He then walked Alfonso Rivas on a full count, putting the potential tying runs on base. They led 4-2 with one out when Strickland hit Wisdom. The ninth inning was a finger-biter for the Reds.
Ross didn’t leave for several minutes, protesting that Strickland should be ejected.
Cubs manager David Ross sprinted toward home plate, arms flailing, and umpire Dan Merzel ejected him immediately.