Headline:
Cubs Rally Past Reds in Extra Innings as Pagán Suffers Painful Injury
Subheading:
Michael Busch delivers clutch hits while Cincinnati’s closer exits on a cart after hamstring scare.
CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Cubs extended their winning streak to seven games in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, edging the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 in 10 innings at Wrigley Field. Michael Busch emerged as the hero, driving in the tying run with an eighth-inning homer before singling home the winner in extras.
The victory marked Chicago’s 17th win in 20 games, continuing their dominant midseason surge. Their 13-game home winning streak is now the franchise’s longest since 2008.
Late-Game Drama Unfolds
After trailing 2-0 early, the Cubs clawed back. Alex Bregman’s RBI single in the seventh cut the deficit before Busch launched a 427-foot blast in the eighth to tie the game. The decisive moment came in the 10th when Busch’s grounder slipped past Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz, allowing Dansby Swanson to score from second.
“We’re finding ways to win,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “This group doesn’t quit.”
Reds’ Closer Exits in Agony
The game took a grim turn in the ninth when Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagán collapsed mid-pitch, clutching his left hamstring. The right-hander was carted off and will land on the injured list, dealing another blow to the struggling Reds, who have now lost five straight.
“It’s tough to see a guy go down like that,” said Reds manager David Bell. “We’ll evaluate him, but it didn’t look good.”
Pitching Battles
Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott stifled the Cubs early, tossing 5 2/3 shutout innings. Chicago’s Jameson Taillon allowed two runs over the same span before the bullpen took over. Ryan Rolison (3-0) sealed the win with a scoreless 10th.
What’s Next?
The series wraps Wednesday with Cincinnati’s Brady Singer (2-2, 5.57 ERA) facing Chicago’s Colin Rea (4-1, 4.41). The Cubs aim to complete a sweep, while the Reds desperately seek momentum.
Key Stats:
- Cubs’ home streak: 13 wins (longest since 2008)
- Busch’s night: 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
- Pagán’s injury: Left hamstring (IL-bound)
— Reported by Nexio News
