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Reds top Cubs in series finale

Jun 26, 2014 - 4:24 AM Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Jay Bruce drove in two runs and Mat Latos pitched seven strong innings as the Cincinnati Reds took a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs in the finale of a three-game series on Wednesday.

Latos (1-0) gave up just a run on five hits while striking out five and Joey Votto and Skip Schumaker each drove in a run for the Reds, who have won four of their last five.

"When you can go deep into your game it can help out your bullpen a lot," said Latos. "It's always key to go as deep as you can in every outing."

Starlin Castro drove in the only run of the game for the Cubs, who have lost four of their past five. Edwin Jackson (5-8) gave up all four runs on six hits with four walks and two strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings.

"Aside from the start in San Diego I've been feeling pretty good," said Jackson. "It's tough when you're not getting the results on how you feel, but it's a long season and things can turn around quick."

In the first inning, Bruce doubled to right with two outs to score Todd Frazier. Votto, though, was nailed at home to end the inning.

Chicago had just one baserunner through the first three innings, but got on the board in the fourth as Ryan Sweeney doubled to start the inning and Castro singled to batters later to tie the game. Luis Valbuena singled, but Nate Schierholtz and John Baker popped out to end the frame.

Cincinnati went back on top in the sixth as Frazier walked to start the frame and Votto scored him with a double. After Devin Mesoraco singled, Bruce brought home Votto with a double.

Chris Heisey then struck out and James Russell took over for Jackson, but Schumaker laid down a perfect suicide squeeze for a 4-1 lead.

Jonathan Broxton tossed a flawless eighth for Cincinnati and Aroldis Chapman allowed a two-out double from Justin Ruggiano before striking out Mike Olt to end the game and pick up his 14th save of the season.

Game Notes

Cincinnati begins a four-game series in San Francisco on Thursday ... Chicago hosts Washington for a four-game set starting Thursday ... The Reds have won five of eight games against the Cubs this season ... Cincinnati center fielder Billy Hamilton went 0-for-5 to have his 12-game hitting streak broken. It was the longest by a National League rookie this season and the longest active streak in the NL.