Cubs Edge Reds 5–4 in NL Central Nail-Biter

The Chicago Cubs held off a late Cincinnati rally to win 5–4 at Wrigley Field last night, tightening the NL Central race and dealing the Reds a costly loss in their push for a Wild Card spot.

⚾ How It Happened

• Seiya Suzuki set the tone early with a solo homer in the 1st inning.
• Shota Imanaga delivered a steady outing (6 IP, 2 ER, 7 K), improving to 9–5 on the season.
• Elly De La Cruz kept the Reds alive with a triple and two RBIs, but a late double-play ball in the 9th ended the rally.
• Chicago’s bullpen trio of Mark Leiter Jr., Julian Merryweather, and Adbert Alzolay combined for three scoreless frames to lock it down.

📌 Why It Mattered

• Standings Impact: The Cubs remain just two games behind Milwaukee for the division lead.
• Reds’ Trouble: Cincinnati has now lost four of its last five and sits two games back in the Wild Card chase.
• Series Tone: Chicago draws first blood in this three-game set, putting pressure on Cincinnati in Game 2.

🔜 What’s Next — Game 2 Tonight at Wriggle's

The Reds will try to even the series against the Cubs tonight.

• Projected Pitching Matchup: Hunter Greene (CIN) vs. Justin Steele (CHC)
• Storyline to Watch: Greene’s high-velocity fastball against Chicago’s patient, contact-heavy lineup.
• First Pitch: 8:05 PM ET
• Betting Teaser:
  
1. Lead Prop – Hunter Greene strikeouts: Target the over if the line stays at 6.5 or lower.
2. Bonus Prop #1 – Elly De La Cruz total bases: Potential value if set at 1.5, given Greene’s strikeout-heavy but occasional hard-contact profile.
3. Bonus Prop #2 – Cubs to score first: Steele’s strong first-inning numbers and the Cubs’ home crowd energy make this a live option.

Full stats, trends, and official picks will drop in today’s 12 PM midday blog.

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