Reds 2, Cubs 0
Brandon Phillips hit a two-run homer and Mat Latos pitched eight strong innings as visiting Cincinnati beat Chicago in the opener of their three-game series.
Latos (12-3) struck out nine and allowed six hits without issuing a walk as he outdueled Travis Wood. The right-hander won his fourth consecutive decision as the Reds remained 5 1/2 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks in the race for the National League’s second wild-card berth.
Aroldis Chapman struck out the side in the ninth for his 28th save in 32 opportunities. Chicago has lost five consecutive home games and been blanked in three straight contests at Wrigley Field for the first time since 1924.
Todd Frazier drew a leadoff walk from Wood (7-9) in the seventh. One out later, Phillips sent a blast into the left-field seats for the only runs Cincinnati needed to improve to 7-1 at Chicago this season.
Wood allowed two runs and four hits in eight innings while dropping to 0-4 in six career starts against his former club.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Cincinnati has just 13 hits over its last three games but has won two of them. … Chicago hasn’t scored a run in its last 32 2/3 innings at home. … Reds LF Ryan Ludwick (shoulder) went 0-for-3 in his first game since being injured on Opening Day.