Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/28/21): Cubs 1, Reds 0 – Bullpen Locks Down Tight Cubs Win
The Cubs aimed to extend their winning streak to five as they welcomed the Reds to a cold blustery Wrigley Field Friday. Another outstanding pitching performance earned Chicago a hard-fought one-run win in what was, believe it or not, their first shutout of 2021.
Adbert Alzolay allowed the visitors several scoring chances early in the game, but he bore down each time and was able to keep them off the board. David Bote finally broke the scoreless tie with a laser solo homer to left in the 5th inning. The shot off of rookie righty Vladimir Gutierrez was pretty much the only thing that could cut through the wind blowing in off the lake.
The Cubs bullpen was great once again after Alzolay came out with two down in the 6th inning. Andrew Chafin, Tommy Nance, and birthday boy Craig Kimbrel nailed down the 1-0 victory and extended the pen’s unearned run streak to 38 innings. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
The Reds left 10 men on base the first six innings and never got a chance against Chicago’s ‘pen.
Key Moment
Tucker Barnhart lined a hit into the right field corner with two away in the 3rd. Tyler Stephenson, at first base to open the play, was heading for home when the ball bounced into the stands for an automatic double, forcing him to stay at third. Kyle Farmer followed with a popout to end the rally and keep it 0-0.
Stats That Matter
- Alzolay battled well Friday: 5.2 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 6 K, and 3 BB.
- Nance pitched a perfect inning with a K and has quickly earned a high-leverage bullpen role.
- Of the Cubs’ 17 May wins, eight have now come by one run; all seven of their losses on the month have been by one.
Bottom Line
The Cubs have gone 38 consecutive innings of relief without allowing an earned run, a team record. More important, they are a season-high six games over the .500 mark.
On Deck
Zach Davies battles Luis Castillo in game two Saturday at 1:20pm CT. The broadcast is available on Marquee and 670 The Score.
