CHICAGO (AP) — Joey Votto, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Will Benson each had two hits, and the Reds beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5 in the opener of a key four-game series between NL Central contenders.
After Andrew Abbott struggled, six Cincinnati relievers combined for 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball.
Buck Farmer got five outs for the win, and All-Star Alexis Díaz worked the ninth for his 32nd save in 33 opportunities.
Cincinnati increased its lead in the division to 1 1/2 games over Milwaukee.
Dansby Swanson hit his 13th homer for third-place Chicago.