Cubs Errors Make All Seven Cincinnati Runs Unearned

Tuesday’s game in Cincinnati was certainly an unusual one for the Chicago Cubs. Once again a late collapse led to a loss in what was an easily winnable game. This time, however, the collapse came not because of an implosion by the Cubs starter and bullpen, but rather because of three errors.

The Cubs got the lead early on a Carlos Pena home run, a three run shot that was hit on the first baseman’s 33rd birthday. Errors by Pena and starter Matt Garza, however, would spot the Reds the tying score. Chicago then re-took the lead late, with single runs tacked on in the seventh and eighth innings. But, a poor pick-off throw by Kerry Wood let the Reds tie the game and then take the lead. The Reds bullpen shut it down from there, and the Cubs were swept with a final score of 7-5.

The Cubs will now head to Miami for a two game series against the Florida Marlins. First pitch will be at 7:10, P.M., CDT.

Garza And Cubs Try To Bounce Back From Ugly Loss At Cincinnati

After an embarrassing 7-4 loss on Monday night, the Chicago Cubs will try to bounce back against the Cincinnati Reds, and avoid a two game sweep in the short series. They'll do that without slumping outfielder Tyler Colvin, who was optioned to Triple-A Iowa after Monday's game, in an attempt to help him locate his lost swing. Though the Cubs have yet to call up a player to replace Colvin, they have announced that injured pitcher Andrew Cashner will undergo an MRI on his throwing shoulder, after he once again felt tightness prior to a rehab throwing assignment.

The Cubs will send Matt Garza to the mound to take on Cincinnati. Garza, at 2-4 with a 4.17 ERA and 1.35 WHIP, has been up and down over his last few starts. He's alternated quality starts with blowouts, giving up five earned runs in two of his last four. His last start against Cincinnati was one of these performances, where he pitched six innings and gave up five runs on just six hits and two walks. He struck out seven. In that game, Jay Bruce was 1-for-3 with a home run, while Jonny Gomes was 1-for-3 with a double.

Opposing Garza on Tuesday will be the Reds' starter Edinson Volquez. Volquez currently sits at 3-1 with a 5.74 ERA and 1.65 WHIP. When the Cubs last saw Volquez, he was also facing up against Matt Garza. In that game, in which Volquez got the win, he threw five innings while giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits and four walks. Marlon Byrd did well against Volquez, going 2-for-3, while Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney, and Aramis Ramirez all collected hits.

The weather in Cincinnati is forecast to be cloudy and cool, with a temperature in the high-40's and a chance of showers. First pitch is at 6:10, P.M., CDT, and the game will be televised on CSN.