CINCINNATI — Starting pitching has been an area in which the Cubs have fallen short this season. And after their 15-7 loss Wednesday to the Brewers, they desperately needed innings in their series opener Friday against the Reds.
‘‘As a group, we have to go deeper in games,’’ president Jed Hoyer said before the game. ‘‘I feel like a broken record saying that for two months, but it takes a toll on the bullpen. It takes a toll on the roster moves we have to make. That part has been a real challenge.’’
Right-hander Alec Mills was up for the challenge and put together his best performance of the season in a 2-1 loss, the Cubs’ seventh in a row.