The stage was set for a classic showdown as both teams opened a critical three-game series, with the Cubs leading the season series 4-2 and chasing the Milwaukee Brewers atop the NL Central. The night, however, belonged to the Reds, who managed to snap a tough stretch after dropping four of their previous six games. The Cubs, riding high after winning three of their last four, were sent back to the drawing board, now three games behind Milwaukee.
Both teams’ starters, Cincinnati’s Nick Lodolo and Chicago’s Michael Soroka, exited early due to injuries, casting a shadow over the evening. Lodolo, coming off a solid run with a 3.09 ERA, was forced out after just five batters because of a blister—a cruel blow for the Reds, who needed his arm in the stretch run. Soroka, making his Cubs debut on his 28th birthday after a recent trade from Washington, departed after two innings with right shoulder discomfort, leaving Chicago fans anxious about their new acquisition’s health. For more on Soroka’s career and stats, visit his MLB.com profile.
The drama intensified in the seventh inning. With two outs and runners at the corners, Friedl lofted a single into center field against reliever Caleb Thielbar, bringing home Jake Fraley and giving Cincinnati a 3-2 lead. Tyler Stephenson had earlier homered for the Reds, while Elly De La Cruz contributed with an RBI double, electrifying the visiting dugout.
The Cubs refused to go quietly. In the bottom of the seventh, Willi Castro advanced to third with two outs, and Dansby Swanson—who had already launched his 17th homer earlier in the game—hit a chopper to third. Initially ruled safe at first, Swanson’s call was overturned after a tense replay review showed he missed the bag, snuffing out Chicago’s rally and sending shockwaves through the home crowd. The full box score and play-by-play can be found on ESPN’s game recap.
The Reds’ bullpen rose to the occasion: Scott Barlow, who improved to 5-0, worked two crucial innings, escaping trouble in the sixth by retiring Carson Kelly with two on. Emilio Pagán finished off the Cubs with a perfect ninth for his 24th save, silencing Wrigley’s faithful and sealing a pivotal win for Cincinnati.
For Chicago, the loss snapped a strong home run, despite Ben Brown’s four solid innings of relief and Swanson’s power at the plate. The Cubs, who had recently celebrated a walk-off homer by Justin Turner and strong performances from Drew Pomeranz and Brad Keller, must now regroup as they eye the rest of the series.
Looking ahead, Tuesday promises another chapter in this intense rivalry. The newly-acquired Zack Littell is set to make his Cincinnati debut, while left-hander Shota Imanaga takes the mound for Chicago. With playoff implications looming large and both teams dealing with injuries, the drama is far from over. For betting insights and further analysis, check out the detailed preview at Sportsbook Wire: Reds at Cubs Odds, Picks, and Predictions.
Monday night’s contest was more than just a midseason game—it was a testament to the heart and resilience of two storied franchises, each fighting for their place in October. As the lights dimmed over Wrigley, one thing was clear: this rivalry is alive, dramatic, and utterly unpredictable.