The Chicago Cubs dropped their fourth consecutive game on Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field, as the visiting Cincinnati Reds walked away with a 5-3 victory after a late surge in the series finale.
Chicago right-hander Jason Berken was masterful over six innings of work by holding the Reds to just two hits, but curiously gave way to the bullpen after tossing just 86 pitches heading into the seventh. Cubs reliever Manny Corpas was then given the ball in a scoreless tie, and somehow managed to surrender three straight RBI singles before a two-run double to Cincinnati's Henry Rodriguez that blew the game wide open.
Youngsters Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro each chipped in two-hit performances from the plate for the Cubs in the loss, while catcher Welington Castillo belted his fifth home run of the season with a solo shot in the eighth. A difficult weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals now lies ahead for Chicago, as the team will hope that Chris Volstad can keep his recent magic going strong on Friday in Game 1.
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