TJ Friedl’s Clutch Hit Lifts Cincinnati Reds Over Chicago Cubs 3-2: Game Recap & Highlights (August 4, 2025)

Monday, August 4th, 2025

Cincinnati Reds Edge Chicago Cubs 3-2 With Key Late-Inning Hit

TJ Friedl delivered a crucial tiebreaking RBI single in the seventh inning, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs in a closely contested MLB matchup at Wrigley Field.

Offensive Highlights Lead Reds to Victory

Tyler Stephenson powered the Reds with a home run, while Elly De La Cruz added an RBI double. These clutch hits helped Cincinnati (59-54) snap a challenging stretch where they had lost four of their previous six games.

For the Cubs, Dansby Swanson connected for his 17th homer of the season, a two-run shot that gave Chicago (65-47) a temporary lead and kept the crowd energized. Despite their efforts, Chicago ended the night three games behind the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers.

Pivotal Moments in the Seventh Inning

With two outs and runners on the corners in the top of the seventh, TJ Friedl stepped up and sent a looping single into center field off Caleb Thielbar, bringing Jake Fraley home for the go-ahead run. Cubs reliever Ryan Brasier took the loss in the contest.

The Cubs threatened in their half of the seventh, advancing Willi Castro to third base with two outs. Dansby Swanson appeared to beat out a grounder to third, but a replay review showed he missed the bag at first base, and the initial safe call was overturned, ending the Cubs’ rally.

Both Starting Pitchers Exit with Injuries

Cincinnati starter Nick Lodolo retired the first five batters he faced but had to leave early due to a blister on his left index finger. On the other side, Michael Soroka’s Cubs debut was cut short by right shoulder discomfort after just two innings, which occurred on his 28th birthday and following a recent trade acquisition.

Ben Brown relieved Soroka and contributed four quality innings, allowing just one run and keeping the Cubs within striking distance.

Bullpens Shine in Tight Game

Scott Barlow was vital for the Reds, tossing two scoreless innings and escaping a sixth-inning jam after walking Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki with two outs. Emilio Pagán sealed the win with a clean ninth inning for his 24th save of the season.

Key Stat

The Cubs had won three of their previous four games heading into this matchup but managed just three hits in this contest.

Looking Ahead

On Tuesday night, Zack Littell (8-8, 3.58 ERA) will make his Cincinnati debut after being traded from Tampa Bay. Shota Imanaga (8-4, 3.25 ERA) will take the mound for the Cubs as the series continues.

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds secured a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs, powered by clutch performances from TJ Friedl, Tyler Stephenson, and Elly De La Cruz. Both teams were forced to adjust after their starting pitchers exited early due to injuries, and bullpen strength proved pivotal. Despite a late push, the Cubs fell just short, setting up an intriguing pitching duel for the next game. This result shapes the tight NL Central race and highlights the resilience of both squads as the MLB season continues.

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