Reds 4 - Cubs 0 (7/10/2026): Greene's 12 Ks Seal Shutout

In a scorching night at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds cruised to a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The Reds, bolstered by an impressive outing from Hunter Greene, held the Cubs to just four hits and no runs. This win nudges the Reds' record to 42-50, still stationed fifth in the Central division.

Pitching Masterclass by Greene

Hunter Greene delivered a stellar performance on the mound, throwing seven innings of shutout baseball. He allowed just three hits, walked one, and struck out 12 batters. This commanding performance helped the Reds shut the Cubs down offensively.

Brent Burke and Emilio Pagán came in for relief and maintained the zero on the scoreboard for the Cubs. Burke pitched the eighth inning, conceding one hit while striking out one. Pagán sealed the game in the ninth with three strikeouts, ensuring the Reds' victory.

Offensive Highlights

The Reds’ offense came alive in the fifth inning, as they began to pull away from the Cubs. Elly De La Cruz was instrumental, going 2-for-5 with a home run and a triple. His solo shot in the seventh inning was a pivotal moment, adding to the Reds' lead.

J.J. Bleday also made his mark, hitting a home run and driving in two runs. Bleday's blast was a key contributor to the Reds' three-run seventh inning, putting the game out of reach for the Cubs.

Spencer Steer added to the offensive effort with a 3-for-4 night, while Sam Stewart contributed with an RBI sac fly. The Reds collected 13 hits in total, showcasing a well-rounded offensive output.

Cubs' Offensive Struggles

The Cubs struggled to find any rhythm against Greene and the Reds' bullpen. Seiya Suzuki was one of the few bright spots for the Cubs, recording two of the team's four hits, including a double. His teammates, however, couldn't capitalize on any opportunities.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, and Michael Busch combined for eight strikeouts. Their inability to put the ball in play proved costly as the Cubs were shut out for the night.

Shota Imanaga pitched for the Cubs, lasting five innings and giving up one run on seven hits. Though he tallied five strikeouts, Imanaga couldn't prevent the Reds from building a lead.

Looking Ahead

As the series continues, the Reds will look to carry this momentum forward. The Cubs, now standing at 52-41, will seek to recover quickly to retain their second-place position in the Central division. With more games on the horizon at Great American Ball Park, the Reds are eager to close the gap in the standings.

Both teams will square off again on Saturday and Sunday at the same venue, providing the Reds another opportunity to climb in the division rankings. Meanwhile, the Cubs aim to bounce back and regain their winning form as they continue their road series.