Reds overmatched against Lester in 6-1 loss to Cubs

Fowler’s two-out hit drove in Chris Coghlan from second to break a 2-2 tie as the Cubs (95-55) snapped a two-game losing streak in the opener of a three-game Wrigley Field series.

Just when the Chicago Cubs’ slumping offense was becoming a concern, the Cincinnati Reds arrived with their record-breaking penchant for allowing home runs. He has his highest win total since going 19-9 with the Boston Red Sox in 2010. “It’s hard to go through, but the only ways these guys are going to learn to pitch up here is to pitch”.

Kris Bryant hit his 38th homer and Dexter Fowler also connected as major league-leading Chicago moved a season-high 42 games over.500. The Cubs’ 96th win reduced their magic number to three over Washington for clinching home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs.

Lackey (10-8) allowed two runs and five hits in his first win since he beat the Angels on August 9.

He retired six of his final seven batters before leaving after 97 pitches.

“We’re starting to get back locked in”, said Ross, who scored the first run of the game on an age-defying romp from first when Lester doubled in the second.

The Chicago Cubs have already wrapped up the Central Division title and home-field advantage through at least one round of the playoffs, but they still have some goals to achieve before the season ends next week.

The last-place Reds (63-89) lost for the seventh time in eight games.

If the Cubs are able to clinch home-field advantage, it would give them the best record in the National League and would guarantee them a first round series against the victor of the National League wild card game.

“He did fine”, Price said. “It’s a comfort zone for the opposing pitchers”.

The Cubs added four runs with two outs in the fourth against rookie reliever Wandy Peralta.

“That’s more of a collapse than a slide, ” Ross said. Hernan Iribarren tripled to deep right with one out and scored on Joey Votto’s single to center to make it 2-0.The Cubs jumped ahead with three runs in the seventh, including two solo home runs.

McCann, in the designated hitter role for the injured Victor Martinez, sent a three-run shot into second deck above left-center in a four-run sixth against Hector Santiago (12-9). The 23-year-old has allowed eight runs in as many innings over his last two turns, permitting nine hits and six walks.

Lackey (10-8, 3.39 ERA) received an early 2-0 lead in the first inning courtesy of infielder’s Ben Zobrist and Javier Baez.

“He probably didn’t have his better fastball today, but he was still very good”, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.

“Just because I see how he prepares and how he executes”.

Reds: Price said RHP Homer Bailey (biceps) could start Sunday at Milwaukee after there were “no negatives” following his Tuesday bullpen session.

“It’s a good opportunity”, said Smith, who threw 62 pitches Saturday. Price was pleased and said it’s possible Bailey will get a start or two before the season ends.

Cubs: OF Jorge Soler (tightness on his right side) could be available to pinch hit on Tuesday, according to Maddon.

“We have the right to shut him down, we have not made that decision yet”, Price told reporters.

Then again, the Cubs could also get to see the Mets and Giants burn Noah Syndergaard and Madison Bumgarner in a wild-card game, or if the St. Louis rotation will again be running on fumes by October 7, creating flashbacks to last year’s playoffs.