Fukudome’s clutch homer leads Chicago past Cincy

Associated Press

CINCINNATI

One bad fastball turned into Bronson Arroyo’s undoing.

Kosuke Fukudome hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer off Arroyo, and the Chicago Cubs finally ended years of futility against the right-hander by beating the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 on Saturday night.

Fukudome’s homer in the fifth inning sent Arroyo (14-8) to his first loss against the Cubs since 2007. Arroyo had won his last five decisions against Chicago, including his two starts this season. He felt good in this one, too.

“I had command of my fastball, which doesn’t always happen,” Arroyo said. “I kept the ball down, for the most part.”

A fastball that strayed right down the middle to Fukudome allowed the Cubs to get that breakthrough win.

Randy Wells (6-12) got a victory on his 28th birthday — his first win since July 23. Wells limited the NL’s top offense to five hits and a pair of runs in six innings, including Joey Votto’s solo homer. Chicago’s bullpen allowed only one hit, with Carlos Marmol pitching the ninth for his 24th save in 29 tries.

It was only Chicago’s fourth win in 15 games against Cincinnati this season.

Despite the loss, the Reds remained four games ahead of St. Louis in the NL Central. The Cardinals lost to Washington 14-5, their fourth loss in five games. Since getting swept by St. Louis, the Reds have gone 10-4 to take control of the division.

The Reds didn’t lose ground despite playing short-handed. Second baseman Brandon Phillips missed a second straight game with a bruised right hand. Outfielder Laynce Nix has a sprained ankle, and infielder Miguel Cairo has a sore leg.