Cubs 12, Reds 8
Starlin Castro homered among three hits, and had three RBIs and four runs as the Chicago Cubs carried some momentum over from the weekend and out-slugged the host Cincinnati Reds, 12-8, on Monday.
Aramis Ramirez and Jeff Baker added solo blasts, and Alfonso Soriano drove in three for the Cubs, who won in extra innings at New York on Sunday by putting up six runs in the 11th inning.
The top of the lineup certainly did not seem tired after the late night, with hitters 1-5 combining to go 12-for-23 with 10 RBIs and nine runs.
Chicago started early, posting three runs in the first as Dontrelle Willis (0-6) walked a pair and allowed three hits. Willis lost it again in the third, surrendering Baker’s blast and an RBI double to Geovany Soto. Another walk and three more hits in the fourth finally knocked Willis out.
Castro’s ninth homer made it 10-3 in the fifth and the Cubs were able to hold on. Starter Rodrigo Lopez (5-6) gave up five runs in 5 1/3 innings to make it far enough to secure the win.
Brandon Phillips homered twice, and rookie Devin Mesoraco hit his first career blast for Cincinnati.