Cubs fall to Reds 1-0 as Hunter Greene throws one-hit shutout

CINCINNATI — The Cubs rolled out all their regulars Thursday against the Reds, even after clinching a playoff spot the night before and celebrating with champagne showers.

That lineup didn’t save them from being shut out by Reds starter Hunter Greene in a 1-0 loss.

“There's a 102 mile an hour pitch thrown in the ninth inning,” manager Craig Counsell said after the game. “That's, that's impressive, and that's why he's so good. It's elite velocity, it's the best there is in the big leagues.”

The last fastball Greene threw, his 107th pitch of the night, registered at 101.5 mph, according to Statcast. A splitter and a slider later, he struck out Ian Happ looking to complete the second shutout of his career and his first of nine innings.

The Cubs managed only one hit, a season low, against Greene, who carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning. Finally, with two outs, the Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki pulled a hard ground ball down the left-field line for a double.

Greene’s dominance overshadowed a shining performance from Cubs starter Colin Rea, who held the Reds to one run in seven innings. Rea recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts and allowed only four hits.

Ballesteros in the clear

Rookie designated hitter Moises Ballesteros said he felt “really good,” even after being hit in the helmet by a line drive.

He reached base on an error to lead off the fifth. With two outs, Pete Crow-Armstrong pulled a line drive that grazed Reds first baseman Spencer Steer's glove and struck the left side of Ballesteros’ helmet, sending it flying.

“After that, I felt a little bit nervous,” Ballesteros said.

He still had the wherewithal to run to second — although not in time to beat the throw from center field, where the ball had ended up. And soon after being checked by a trainer, Ballesteros was reenacting the play in the dugout for his teammates, with a smile on his face. He remained in the game.

Injury update

Cubs closer Daniel Palencia (strained right shoulder) traveled to Iowa on Thursday morning and was set to make a Triple-A rehab appearance Friday, Counsell said. He's eligible to return from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.

Right-hander Ryan Brasier (strained left groin) missed his scheduled rehab appearance Tuesday due to illness, Counsell said. The Cubs are targeting Friday or Saturday for his next Triple-A outing.