Vosler’s three-run blast lifts Reds past Cubs 7-6
CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 03: Ian Happ #8 of the Chicago Cubs runs into Jason Vosler #32 of the Cincinnati Reds at first base in the 6th inning at Great American Ball Park on April 03, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Happ would be out on the play (Photo by
CINCINNATI - Jason Vosler, a non-roster invitee to spring training, hit a go-ahead three-run home run, his second of the season, as the Cincinnati Reds held off the Chicago Cubs 7-6 on Monday.
Cody Bellinger collected his first hit as a Cub: a three-run home run in the first.
Derek Law stranded the tying and go-ahead runners in the ninth to earn his first save since 2019. Alex Young (1-0) earned the victory.
Bellinger, who was 0-for-11 to begin his Cubs career, launched a 3-1 pitch from Connor Overton with two runners aboard in the first to make the score 3-0.
But it was a rough first inning for Drew Smyly (0-1) too, as the Reds pounded out four straight singles, driving in three runs to tie the score.
Eric Hosmer’s two-run double off left-hander Young in the fifth put the Cubs ahead 6-4. He was 0-for-7 coming into the game.
Vosler who entered the game as a pinch-runner in the second, hit a go-ahead, three-run home run off Smyly to put the Reds ahead 7-6.
Vosler has two home runs and four extra-base hits in 11 at-bats since making the club.
Cincinnati, which began last season 3-22, is off to a 3-1 start.
WELCOME BACK
Former Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart was honored with a video tribute in the first inning. Barnhart made 744 appearances for the Reds. He was signed as a free agent by the Cubs in December.
TRAINERS ROOM
Cubs: LHP Brandon Hughes (left knee inflammation) threw a live BP session on Sunday. He is expected to throw again on April 5.
Reds: CF Jose Barrero, who made his first start in center field since 2021, left the game with right hamstring tightness after his single in the second inning.
UP NEXT
Cubs RHP Hayden Wesneski will face Reds RHP Luis Cessa.