Cubs 5 - Reds 3 (7/11/2026): Bregman Powers Cubs With Key Homer

On a scorching day at Great American Ball Park, the Chicago Cubs emerged with a 5-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs improved their record to 52-42, maintaining their position as the second-place team in the NL Central. The Reds, on the other hand, dropped to 43-50 and continue to languish at the bottom of the division.

Both teams fought hard under the intense heat, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees. The Cubs' pitching staff navigated their way through the game efficiently, with Drew Pomeranz securing his first win of the season. Meanwhile, Julian Garcia took the loss for the Reds, struggling in his brief outing.

Mid-Game Momentum Shift

Early on, the game saw a lot of zeros on the scoreboard, with neither team finding their rhythm until the fourth inning. The Reds were the first to strike, putting two runs on the board and briefly taking the lead. However, the Cubs responded in the fifth inning, reducing the deficit and setting the stage for their eventual comeback.

The sixth and seventh innings proved crucial for the Cubs as they plated two runs each, shifting the momentum firmly in their favor. Alex Bregman was instrumental, driving in two key runs that gave the Cubs the lead. Cody Kelly also made a significant impact with a home run that extended Chicago's advantage.

Cubs' Batting Highlights

Several Cubs players had standout performances at the plate. Michael Busch went 3-for-4, showcasing his consistency and contributing to the team's nine hits. Ian Happ added a double to his tally, while Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman each drove in important runs.

Despite a quiet start, the Cubs’ bats came alive in the middle innings, proving too much for the Reds' pitchers. Dustin Kelly, the Cubs' hitting coach, would be pleased with how his lineup executed their strategy to overturn the initial deficit.

Reds' Efforts Fall Short

While the Reds managed 11 hits, they struggled to convert those opportunities into runs, failing to score after the sixth inning. Eugenio Suárez and Nathaniel Lowe each contributed with home runs, but it wasn’t enough to outpace the Cubs. Reds manager Terry Francona will be looking for more clutch hitting as the season progresses.

Cincinnati’s starting pitcher, Nick Lodolo, pitched five innings, allowing two runs and striking out four. However, the Reds' bullpen couldn't contain the Cubs' surge in the subsequent innings, with Julian Garcia conceding two decisive runs.

Defensively, both teams were solid, with no errors recorded. The Cubs’ win was further aided by a clean fielding performance, which supported their pitching staff’s efforts. The Reds will have to regroup quickly as they face the Cubs again in their upcoming game.

Looking ahead, the Cubs are set to play the Reds again before heading back home for a series against the Minnesota Twins. This victory positions them well as they continue to chase the division-leading team. Meanwhile, the Reds will aim to turn their fortunes around and climb out of the NL Central basement.

As the summer heats up, both teams will need to dig deep and find the energy to push through the grueling schedule. The Cubs' win adds momentum to their playoff hopes, while the Reds must look to solve their home-field struggles.