CUBS TAKE FOUR-GAME SERIES IN CINCINNATI BEHIND POWER, PITCHING DEPTH

CINCINNATI — The 2025 Cubs opened their four‑game set at Great American Ball Park with a statement win and never really let go of the momentum, taking three of four from the Reds in a series defined by power hitting, deep pitching, and a lineup that kept finding answers.

Chicago claimed the opener 6–2, dropped the second game 4–1, then closed the series with convincing 5–2 and 5–1 victories. By the time the Cubs packed up, they looked like a club settling into early‑season form.

---

Game 1: Cubs Set the Tone Early (Cubs 6, Reds 2)

Chicago wasted no time establishing control of the series. Three home runs — from N. Marte, Bell, and Cruz — powered a six‑run attack that chased Reds starter Cabrera after five innings.

Perdomo’s three‑hit performance sparked the offense, while McLean delivered six strong innings, allowing just one run with six strikeouts. Cincinnati managed only a solo homer from Suarez and a late RBI from Realmuto.

The Cubs walked off the field with a 1–0 series lead and the Reds already searching for answers.

---

Game 2: Reds Punch Back Behind Power and Relief (Reds 4, Cubs 1)

Cincinnati responded with its cleanest effort of the week. Yaz and Marte each homered, providing all the offense the Reds would need. Despite nine hits, the Cubs stranded 11 runners and repeatedly missed chances to swing the game back their way.

Sproat struck out eight but was undone by defensive miscues, and the Reds bullpen — Robert Suarez and Uribe in particular — shut the door late to even the series.

---

Game 3: Henderson Shines as Cubs Regain Control (Cubs 5, Reds 2)

Logan Henderson delivered the pitching gem of the series, holding Cincinnati to one hit through 5.1 innings while striking out six. Mauricio and Cruz each homered, and Perdomo continued his hot stretch with another multi‑hit game.

The Reds briefly rallied with a two‑run sixth, but Chicago’s bullpen stitched together 3.2 innings of one‑run relief to secure the win and a 2–1 series edge.

---

Game 4: Lugo Dominates, Cubs Close Strong (Cubs 5, Reds 1)

Seth Lugo was nearly untouchable in the finale, striking out nine without a walk across seven shutout innings. The Cubs’ offense didn’t need much, but they delivered anyway: T. Hernandez doubled home two, Cruz added two more RBI, and Bell and Sanchez each scored twice.

Ozuna’s solo homer in the eighth was Cincinnati’s lone breakthrough, long after the outcome was decided.

---

Series Takeaways

Chicago’s Pitching Was the Difference

Across the three wins, Cubs pitchers allowed just five total runs, with starters working deep and the bullpen repeatedly escaping trouble.

Perdomo, Cruz, and Mauricio Powered the Lineup

The trio combined for multiple extra‑base hits, table‑setting rallies, and timely home runs that repeatedly flipped innings.

Reds Offense Never Found Rhythm

Cincinnati managed only nine runs in four games, leaning heavily on isolated homers rather than sustained pressure.

---

A Statement Road Series for the Cubs

Chicago didn’t just win the series — they dictated it. Power, patience, and pitching depth carried them through three decisive victories, offering a glimpse of a club beginning to click.

For the Reds, the flashes were there, but the consistency wasn’t. For the Cubs, the takeaway was simple: a road series that felt like a step forward.