Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/17/19): Cubs 5, Reds 2 – Yu Darvish Earns First Wrigley W

The Cubs entered Wednesday’s game looking to win a series against the Reds for the first time this season, while Yu Darvish was simply looking to win a game. He had yet to earn a win at Wrigley in a Cubs uniform — or in any uniform, for that matter — despite a stellar outing last week at home.

Darvish went six innings, giving up only two hits with seven strikeouts and no walks. Kris Bryant and Addison Russell both had solo home runs early to give Darvish the lead and Jason Heyward knocked in two runs with a double to stretch the lead.

Indeed, it was a day of firsts at the Friendly Confines as Darvish earned his first win at home and the Cubs finally won a series against the last-place Reds. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

For the second time in as many starts, Darvish no-hit the opposition through four innings. Bryant continued his hot summer, hitting his 20th home run of the season.

Key Moment

The only trouble Darvish encountered was in the 6th inning, when Nick Senzel lead off with a double. He was on third when Eugenio Suarez hit a ground ball to David Bote, who threw a backward-looking Senzel out at the plate. Darvish then struck out Yasiel Puig to end the inning. The righty was fired up, pumping his fists as he exited the field with the lead intact.

Stats that Matter

• Darvish is now 3-0 lifetime against the Reds
• Bryant had the 8th best OBP in MLB coming into the game and he reached three times in four plate appearances in this one
• Joey Votto’s 41-game Wrigley Field on-base streak came to an end

 The Bottom Line

The big positive of the game was Darvish. His last outing was possibly his strongest in a Cubs uniform, he was on an extra two days of rest. With his injury history, it posed the question of whether or not he’s able to pitch dominantly on regular rest. Darvish answered that question with his first win since April 27 and the Cubs won a series against the Reds. It was a good day.

On Deck

After a day off on Thursday, the Padres come to Wrigley for a weekend set. Jon Lester will take the mound at 1:20pm CDT and you can catch it on NBC Sports Chicago and 670 The Score.