Friday, September 21, 2012

HBT: Reds beat Cubs, clinch playoff berth

Trotting out a lineup that included just one regular, the Reds beat the Cubs 5-3 on Thursday to complete a three-game sweep at Wrigley Field and become the first team this year to clinch a playoff berth.

The Reds got Johnny Cueto his 18th victory despite fielding a lineup that included Miguel Cairo at first base and second baseman Henry Rodriguez hitting third in his first career start. Todd Frazier and Chris Heisey were in there as well, but catcher Ryan Hanigan was today?s only starter who can be safely penciled into the lineup for Game 1 of the NLDS.

The team was also missing its manager, as Dusty Baker remained hospitalized after being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.

Cincinnati?s ?B? lineup was shutout by Jason Berken for six innings, but it busted out for five runs off Manny Corpas in the top of the seventh. That earned Cueto the win, even though he had been removed for a pinch-hitter. Coming off three straight losses, Cueto was better today, though not dominant. He allowed five hits, walked four and struck out just two.

With two starts left, Cueto still has a chance at 20 wins for the season. He?ll have an even better chance if Joey Votto and Brandon Phillips are in the lineup next time he pitches.

Source: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/09/20/reds-beat-cubs-to-become-first-team-to-clinch-playoff-berth/related/

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