Cubs 4, Reds 1
Carlos Pena homered and Ryan Dempster pitched six strong innings as the visiting Chicago Cubs snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 4-1 triumph over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday afternoon.
Aramis Ramirez added a solo shot for the Cubs, who improved to 1-5 on their current 10-game road trip. Chicago now has to go to Philadelphia for four straight against the NL East-leading Phillies. The Cubs do not have a day off until June 23 - a stretch of 20 straight games in as many days.
Jay Bruce snapped a five-game RBI drought for the Reds, who failed in their bid for a third straight win.
Dempster (5-5) yielded only three hits and one run while striking out eight, dropping his ERA below 6.00 for the first time this season to 5.96.
The veteran righthander became the second-winningest Canadian-born pitcher in major league history with his 107th career win. Dempster will need a few more seasons to reach Ferguson Jenkins at 284.
Bronson Arroyo (4-6) gave up a one-run lead when he surrendered Pena’s two-run blast in the fourth. Ramirez made it back-to-back blasts when he followed with his third homer.
Carlos Marmol worked the ninth for his 11th save.