The Reds Club the Cubs

Cincinnati came into Wrigley with both teams near the top of their respective divisions. The Reds look to be the much better team, mauling the Cubs to win three of four.

Game One: Cincinnati jumps out to a 9-1 lead, hitting Cubs starter Joe Decker (3-1) hard for his first loss. Bernie Carbo's three run homer (6) and solo blasts from Lee May and Johnny Bench help Jim McGlothlin move to a 5-1 record. The Cubs try to come back late, scoring six runs in the last two innings, but can't catch up.  Reds 11, Cubs 7.

Game Two:  A 3-2 Cubs lead is lost in the eighth as the Reds' Bobby Tolan hits a triple to score Tommy Helms. Lee May also hits two more homers for the rest of the Reds' scoring. But with Clay Carroll trying to keep it tied in the bottom of the ninth, the Cubs get going with a single, a key error from Tony Perez and a walkoff single from good hitting pitcher Jin Dunegan to win it. Cubs 4, Reds 3.

Game Three: Cincinnati bounces back in a big fashion, scoring 11 runs to break open a tie game in the ninth, as Cubs relievers Larry Gura and Jim Colborn are tagged for eight runs in the top of the ninth. Tolan's grand salami (6) and a blast from Perez (12) lead the scoring. Reds 11, Cubs 3.

Game Four: Young starter Wayne Simpson moves to 5-0 with an easy, three hit complete game. He gets plenty of scoring help, as Reds hitters continue to maul the Cubs. Chicago ace Fergie Jenkins (4-3) leaves after 5.1 innings and seven runs. May hits his eighth (and fourth against the Cubs), while Carbo also gets in the act again with his eighth homer of the year. Reds 8, Cubs 1.