Jason Vosler, a non-roster invitee to spring training, played the hero as his go-ahead three-run home run lifted the Cincinnati Reds past the Chicago Cubs 7-6 on Monday.
Vosler, who didn’t even start the game, entered as a pinch-runner in the second inning and wound up being a big part of a great win for the Reds. His homer off former teammate Drew Smyly put the Reds ahead 7-6, and they held on for the victory.
“It is so much fun just to watch Jason (Vosler),” Reds manager David Bell said. “He didn’t even start the game but he stayed ready. He is excited to show what kind of player he is.”
Cody Bellinger collected his first hit as a Cub: a three-run home run in the first inning. It was a relief for Bellinger, who was 0-for-11 to begin his Cubs career.
“Felt like it was coming,” Cubs first baseman Eric Hosmer said. “He’s hit some hard balls. The ball was flying out at BP today. Just felt like one of those days.”
But it was a rough first inning for Smyly too, as the Reds pounded out four straight singles to tie the score at 3-3.
However, Vosler’s heroics ultimately led the Reds to the win. The former Cubs minor-leaguer has two home runs and four extra-base hits in 11 at-bats since making the club.
“It was on my mind a little bit facing the Cubs,” Vosler said. “I got drafted by them. At the end of the day, I’m just trying to put together good at-bats, but a three-run shot feels a little better against your former team for sure.”
The Reds, who began last season 3-22, are off to a hot start with a 3-1 record.
In other notable performances, Dansby Swanson became the first Cubs player since at least 1901 with at least three three-hit games in the team’s first four games of a season. Former Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart was also honored with a video tribute in the first inning. Barnhart made 744 appearances for the Reds before being signed as a free agent by the Cubs in December.
There was also a close call for Cubs player Patrick Wisdom, who was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning but remained in the game. X-rays on his wrist were negative.
Looking ahead, Cubs C Hayden Wesneski will face Reds RHP Luis Cessa in the next game.
Overall, it was a thrilling game filled with great performances from both teams, but it was Vosler’s timely homer that ultimately led the Reds to a hard-fought victory over their rivals.
Rachel Chen is an investigative journalist with a passion for uncovering corruption and wrongdoing. Her fearless reporting has led to several high-profile exposés and has earned her numerous awards and accolades.