CHICAGO (AP) – Jason Hammel pitched six scoreless innings, drove home one run and scored another to lead the Chicago Cubs to an 8-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday night for their best start since 1969.
The Cubs swept the three-game series and improved to 8-1 for the first time in 47 years. They won 11 of 12 to start the ’69 season en route to a second-place finish.
Dexter Fowler and Addison Russell had three hits each for Chicago, and Kris Bryant hit his second home run.
Hammel (1-0) allowed four hits, walked four and struck out three on 88 pitches in chilly weather.
Raisel Iglesias (1-1) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks over five innings.