Jason Hammel pitched six shutout innings and helped himself by hitting an RBI double to lead the Cubs to an 8-1 victory and series sweep of the Reds on Thursday. With the win, Chicago is 8-1 in its first nine games for the sixth time in franchise history and first time since 1969.
“I like the way we’re playing baseball. I think we’re ready to play baseball,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “The things you talk about in camp or in meetings, our guys are doing it. That’s as well as I can explain it. Following game plans, having great at-bats, playing catch on defense, being in the right spot — that’s why we’ve won so many games.”
Kris Bryant belted a solo home run to back Hammel, who scattered four hits and walked four. The Cubs have outscored their opponents, 64-21, in nine games, and outdid the Reds, 22-6, in the three-game series.
Raisel Iglesias, the Reds’ Opening Day starter, took the loss, serving up six hits over five innings. It was Chicago’s first sweep of Cincinnati at Wrigley Field since Sept. 15-17, 2014.
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