Báez delivers walk-off single in Cubs’ victory
CHICAGO — Pinch-hitter Javier Báez hit a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Chicago Cubs a 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Monday night.
Anthony Rizzo homered in his second straight game for the Cubs, who opened what could be the final homestand for some of their stars. Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Craig Kimbrel and Báez could be on the move by Friday’s trade deadline.
Joey Votto homered for the third time in three games and drove in three runs for Cincinnati, which dropped its second straight and lost for the seventh time in 10 games. Kyle Farmer added a homer as the Reds’ winning streak against Chicago ended at four.
Patrick Wilson walked after a nine-pitch at-bat to start the bottom of the ninth, pinchhitter Ian Happ drew a pass an out later and Nico Hoerner loaded the bases when he was hit by a pitch by Heath Hembree (2-5). Sierra Vista High product Amir Garrett came on and allowed the game-winning hit.
Kimbrel (2-3) struck out three straight to end the top of the inning after putting two men on.
The Reds led 5-4 in the bottom of the eighth before Willson Contreras hit a booming home run to center off reliever Josh Osich.
Rizzo drove the first pitch he saw from starter Wade Miley into the right-center bleachers to score Bryant in the first inning. Votto answered in the top of the second with a first-pitch shot to nearly the same spot. He tied the game an inning later with a sacrifice fly.
Farmer homered in the fourth and Votto gave the Reds their first lead an inning later when he drew a bases-loaded walk from starter Kyle Hendricks.
Hendricks, who had gone at least six innings in 13 straight starts, lasted only 4⅓ and surrendered the first five runs on nine hits while walking two and striking out four.
Miley lasted just as long, giving up seven hits, three earned runs and five walks.
■ Braves 2, Mets 0, first game: At New York, Kyle Muller (2-3) struck out three in five scoreless innings of work.
■ Mets 1, Braves 0, second game: At New York, Jeff Mcneil hit a go-ahead RBI double in the fifth inning.
■ Phillies 6, Nationals 5: At Philadelphia, Andrew Mccutchen hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning. Rhys Hoskins also had a three-run homer,
■ Twins 6, Tigers 5: At Minneapolis, Max Kepler hit a walkoff RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning against All-star closer Gregory Soto (4-2).
■ Royals 4, White Sox 3: At Kansas City, Mo., Jorge Soler hit two home runs for the second straight game. Mike Minor (8-8) gave Kansas City its fifth quality start in the last six games. He walked two and struck out seven.
■ Red Sox 5, Blue Jays 4: At Boston, Alex Verdugo hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning and Rafael Devers added a solo homer on the four-year anniversary of his first majorleague shot.