A Strong Start from Steele Wasn't Enough: Cubs Fall 3-2 to Reds on Friday

Thursday's game felt so close, yet so far from a win. On Friday, Justin Steele was looking to right the ship for the Chicago Cubs but the Cincinnati Reds wanted to ride the momentum they generated on Thursday night.

Tale of the Tape

Both pitchers started off well. The Cubs managed a pair of baserunners in the top of the first, but they failed to scratch a run across. A Michael Busch double with two outs in the top of the second never amounted to anything either. For the Reds, they were no-hit through the first three innings of the game by Steele. Nick Lodolo was almost as good, keeping the Cubs off the board as well.

However, the Reds finally got to Steele. With two outs and a man on, Steele got Spencer Steer to strikeout. That said, the ball got by Miguel Amaya and Steer reached. In the next at-bat, Tyler Stephenson did damage and made it a 2-0 Reds lead with his double.

Fans are starting to get frustrated with Amaya's play behind the plate. It was scored as a wild pitch, but many are blaming Amaya for the folly.

The Cubs threatened with bases loaded in the top of the fifth, but Cody Bellinger popped out to end the threat. The Cubs had opportunities and still couldn't help out Justin Steele. Instead, the Reds helped out Lodolo in the bottom of the frame. Blake Dunn smacked a double and a Stuart Fairchild single scored Dunn for the Reds' third run of the game.

The Cubs finally got on the board in the top of the sixth. With two outs, Dansby Swanson hit a solo shot to make it 3-1. With a change in his uniform, Swanson is pulling out all the stops to break out of his horrible slump to start the year.

The home run helped end Lodolo's night, but it was a quality start. The Reds lefty went 6.0 innings, allowing four hits, one earned run, and two walks. Lodolo also punched out seven along the way. As for Steele, he was equally as good. Steele allowed five hits and three runs in his 7.0 innings of work, but only walked one and fanned seven. Unfortunately, run support never came for the Cubs' ace.

The Cubs got one back in the top of the ninth off closer Alexis Diaz. A Busch single, along with defensive interference, allowed Busch to advance to second. Miguel Amaya's double scored Busch to cut the lead to one run. However, the Cubs couldn't muster up anything more and fell 3-2 on Friday night.

Something Needs to Change

I can't tell you what or how, but things need to change for the Cubs. The starting pitching continues to be good, but the defense behind the dish and run support continue to injure the team. The Cubs received an incredible outing yet again from Steele and he could not get any help from his offense.

Michael Busch had a strong game despite facing a lefty on the mound. Aside from him, the Cubs only mustered four more hits, one of which was Swanon's homer. Sadly, the Cubs just aren't getting it done against teams that, in theory, should not be better or equal to the Cubs.

What's On Tap Next?

Ben Brown and the Cubs will trot back out for the third of four games on Saturday afternoon against Andrew Abbott and the Reds. First pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. CDT from Great American Ballpark. Marquee Sports Network and MLB Network (out of market) will carry the broadcast.

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