Cubs’ Nate Pearson ejected for throwing over batter’s head in Reds’ 7-1 victory originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
CINCINNATI (AP) — Carson Spiers allowed one hit in five scoreless innings in his return from the injured list, and the Cincinnati Reds scored three times in a 7-1 victory over the Chicago puppies on Monday night.
Cubs reliever Nate Pearson and manager Craig advises were ejected in the eighth inning after Pearson hit Tyler Stephenson in the helmet, one pitch after he allowed a home run to Jeimer Candelario. Stephenson objected to the beating when he was partially restrained by catcher Miguel Amaya.
Stephenson remained in the game.
“It’s scary,” Reds coach David Bell said. “He’s fine, thankfully.”
Pearson was sent off after an argument from the referees, and Counsell was sent off after coming out to argue.
“Guys getting hit in the head is not good, it’s not good at all, (whether it’s) their team, our team,” Counsell said. “There’s just no intention in it.”
TJ Friedl hit a three-run homer for the Reds and Will Benson hit a two-run shot, a career-best 12th of the season. Both faced Cubs starter Jameson Taillon (7-6), a potential trade target for rival clubs who allowed a season-high six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings. His ERA rose from 2.96 to 3.35.
“There’s been a little bit of noise and stuff,” Taillon said. “I am human and I am aware of that. At the same time, I did all my normal work and when you’re out there, it’s the last thing you think about when you’re between the lines.”
Ian Happ’s first-inning single was the Cubs’ only hit against Spiers (4-2), who retired his last 12 batters in his first start since July 12. Spiers threw 68 pitches.
“The first time he came back, we were looking at maybe 50 to 60 pitches,” Bell said. “He went beyond that. It’s good to know Carson is healthy.”
Friedl’s home run in the fifth made it 6-0. It was his first long throw since June 14 after he missed 25 games with a strained right hamstring.
“Homers with runners on base can be the factor that wins or loses games,” Taillon said. “I made some bad shots that I paid for. That kind of finished us off.
Four Reds relievers finished off a three-hitter. Chicago’s Michael Busch homered from Buck Farmer in the ninth.
“We didn’t swing the bats well tonight,” Counsell said. “When we hit the ball hard, their outfielders made some great plays.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Cubs: RHP Adbert Alzolay (right flexor strain) did not recover well from Tuesday’s start and will return to Chicago to be evaluated by doctors.
Reds: RHP Yosver Zulueta was optioned to Triple-A Louisville to make room for Spiers.
UNTIL NEXTT
Left-hander Justin Steele (2-4, 3.08 ERA) is headed to the Cubs. The Reds have not announced a starter to replace Frankie Montas, who was traded to Milwaukee on Tuesday night.
