The Cubs’ inability to execute on defense came back to haunt them yet again in Cincinnati Friday night. Two crucial mistakes in a single inning allowed the Reds to take a lead they would never give up, as Chicago wasted a very good effort by Justin Steele in another tough loss.
Both starters, Steele and Nick Lodolo, were sharp early and the Cubs starter retired the first 10 batters he faced. The road team had a complete fundamental breakdown with two outs in the bottom of the 4th inning. They caught Elly De La Cruz breaking off of first base and had him picked off, but Michael Busch threw low to David Bote at second base and the lightning-quick Reds shortstop was safe.