Reds Overcome Lodolo Injury to Beat Cubs 3-2

In a tightly contested game at Wrigley Field, the Cincinnati Reds overcame early adversity as their starting pitcher Nick Lodolo exited in the second inning due to a blister on his left index finger, forcing the bullpen to cover 7 1/3 innings. Despite this challenge, the Reds' bullpen, including Nick Martinez, Scott Barlow, Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagan, combined to hold the Chicago Cubs to just two runs, with Pagan securing his 24th save of the season. The Reds rallied from a 2-1 deficit with key hits from Elly De La Cruz, Jake Fraley, Ke'Bryan Hayes, and TJ Friedl, ultimately winning 3-2. A notable defensive play by Hayes ended the 7th inning, overturning an initial Cubs' RBI call and preserving the lead. The Cubs also faced pitching struggles as their starter Michael Soroka left early due to right shoulder discomfort, marking a day of early exits for both teams' starters. Lodolo's injury is a setback for the Reds, as he had been having a career-best season and was expected to be a key ace; the team now relies heavily on their bullpen and hopes for his speedy recovery.