The Chicago Cubs held off a late run by the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday night, defeating their opponents by a final score of 9-7.
There were plenty of runs by both teams, who combined for 24 hits (11 for Chicago and 13 for Cincinnati). The Cubs and Reds exchanged a run each in the second inning, and Chicago pulled ahead in the top of the fourth to take a 4-1 lead. The Cubs got RBIs from first baseman Anthony Rizzo (a single), shortstop Starlin Castro (a double) and outfielder Bryan LaHair (fielder's choice).
Both teams tacked on another run in the fifth, followed by a second scoring onslaught in the sixth featuring three additional scores by the Cubs and two by the Reds. Starlin Castro tripled in the top of the inning, and finished 3-5 overall.
A home run by Cincinnati left fielder Ryan Ludwick brought the Reds to within 8-6. They made it 8-7 in the eighth after a triple by pinch hitter Miguel Cairo. But the Cubs put the game out of reach with a solo shot from David DeJesus, and Carlos Marmol picked up his 15th save on the season.
The win improves the Cubs to 47-72 on the season, while the Reds fall to 73-48. Game four of the series will be played Sunday at 1:10 p.m. Eastern Time.
For more on Chicago sports, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For more in-depth coverage on the Cubs, head over to Bleed Cubbie Blue. Additional Reds coverage can be found at Red Reporter.