Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/10/2019): Reds 10, Cubs 1 – Aquino Hits Three Bombs to Lead Rout of Cubs
The Cubs (63-54) managed only one run while the Reds (56-59) put on a surprise laser show for the fans at Great American Ball Park. They raked to the tune of 15 hits and 10 runs in the first six innings. They tacked on three more hits over the next two innings, but mercifully did not score again.
Aristides Aquino led the charge in an epic power display for the Reds, mashing home runs in his first three plate appearances of the night. Two of the long balls were off Cubs’ starter Kyle Hendricks, who was just plain off tonight. The Reds’ Sonny Gray, meanwhile, was carving up Cubs’ hitters for six scoreless innings. It was the tale of two pitchers as Hendricks gave up 12 hits in 2.2 IP while Gray gave up only two.
The Reds put up crooked numbers in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th innings, with six total home runs from Aquino and Nick Senzel in the 2nd inning, Aquino again in the 3rd, Eugenio Suárez and Aquino yet again in the 4th, and then Kyle Farmer in the 6th.
About the only highlight for the Cubs’ offense on the night was a 9th inning bomb by Kyle Schwarber, who hammered a 3-2 Sal Romano fastball over the fence in center field. (Box Score)
Why the Cubs Lost
Kyle Hendricks looked to be throwing mostly BP fastballs tonight with very few changeups. And they were getting destroyed. Not the guy fans are used to seeing. A night like tonight should really make you appreciate just how good Hendricks actually is, especially considering he rarely hits 90 mph.
Key Moment
When Joe Maddon pulled Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rizzo. Getting them off their feet for a few innings in a laugher is about the only good thing that came out of this one.
Stats That Matter
- Tony Kemp had a single and double in the ballgame despite coming in as a sub.
- Schwarber stayed hot, with a clean single to break up an early no-hit bid from Gray, along with a bomb in the 9th inning. He bounced back with a 2-for-4 night after a tough one against Trevor Bauer last night.
- David Bote, who played shortstop when Báez was pulled, went 2-for-3.
- Hendricks’ home/road splits are crazy so far this year – 1.98 ERA at Wrigley and 5.16 ERA on the road.
Bottom Line
Cubs continue their road and night woes in a big way. However, it’s only one game and they do get a day game tomorrow to see if they can bounce back.
On Deck
The Cubs go up against Luis Castillo, one of the best pitchers in the league right now, at 12:10 CT tomorrow. Jon Lester, coming off a terrible performance on Tuesday against the A’s, gets the ball for the Cubs looking to split this series. The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago (TV) and 670 The Score (Radio).
