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Reds' Lohse shuts down Cubs

Apr 16, 2007 - 12:12 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Kyle Lohse never had pitched at Wrigley Field, but it appears he is comfortable with the venue.

Lohse pitched eight scoreless innings and Jeff Conine drove in the only run of the game as the Cincinnati Reds held on for a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Lohse (1-0) allowed four hits and one walk while recording a career-high 12 strikeouts in outdueling Ted Lilly, who struck out 10.

"This was my first appearence here at Wrigley Field and it turned out pretty cool," Lohse said. "This was a big series and I wanted to finish our road trip with a win, that is all I was thinking about."

Chicago's best threat against Lohse came in the sixth inning. Alfonso Soriano led off with a double and was held up at third base on Ryan Theriot's single to center. However, Lohse battled back to strike out Jacque Jones and Derrek Lee. He escaped the jam when Michael Barrett flew out to right.

"You've got 3-4-5 coming up and it's the middle part of your lineup," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "What beat us is leaving runners on first and third with no outs in the sixth inning, that is what beat us."

With 114 pitches under his belt, Lohse gave way to the bullpen in the ninth. Mike Stanton retired the only batter he faced and David Weathers recorded the final two outs for his fifth save.

The only run of the game scored in the fourth inning. Conine's single plated Brandon Phillips, who had walked and stole second base.

Lilly (1-1) had a strong start as well, but left after six innings, having thrown 101 pitches. The lefthander allowed two hits and a walk.

"I felt good and knew I had to keep up with Kyle (Lohse)," Lilly said. "It was a case of he made less mistakes today then I did."

Sunday marked the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson becoming the first black player in major league history. The day was especially meaningful for Ken Griffey Jr., who was the first to approach Commissioner Bud Selig with the idea of honoring Robinson by wearing No. 42.

"Today was real special because of the things this man sacrificed to allow me to play," Griffey said.

Adam Dunn, who leads Cincinnati with four home runs, did not play due to back spasms.

"I grabbed the railing coming up the dugout steps to go warm up and it felt like two knives in my back," Dunn said. "I had never felt anything like that before. I will play tomorrow."

Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez missed his second straight game with right wrist tendinitis. He said he expects to be back in the lineup Monday or Tuesday.