The Big Red Machine Paints the Cubs Blue

Cincinnati shows off its powerful offense and gets just enough pitching to take the series 2-1 at Wrigley over the Cubs.

Game One: Cin 4, Chi 2
W: Cloninger (5-4)
L: Holtzman (4-9)
S: Granger (7)

Alex Johnson slugs two homers and drives in three of the four Cincy runs, as the Cubs Kenny Holtzman continues to struggle this year. The Reds' Tony Cloninger only gives up two runs despite walking seven, and Wayne Granger sets down the Chicago batters in 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.

Game Two: Cin 5, Chi 2

W: Merritt (4-3)
L: Hands (5-7)
S: Granger (8)

It's Tony Perez's turn to hit two Reds' homers in a game at Wrigley; "Mad Dog" now has 10 on the year. Bill Hands is the latest Cubs' starter to struggle, as he gives up 12 hits in eight innings. Granger works another 2.1 innings of scoreless relief as the tall righty again thwarts Cubs batters.

Game Three: Chi 3, Cin 0
W: Jenkins (7-7)
L: Culver (2-2)

Fergie Jenkins assumes his ace role by stopping the Cubs' slide, pitching a complete game four-hit shutout against the potent Reds lineup. Don Kessinger's double and two runs scored help drive the scoring as the Cubs do enough damage to support Jenkins' outstanding effort.