Four runs in the first inning was all the Cubs needed in their 4-1 win over the Reds at Great American Ball Park. Miguel Montero's two-run double was the highlight of the frame. Dan Haren tossed seven-and-one-third shutout innings to pick up his 10th win, while Travis Wood nailed down his third save. Chicago is three games behind the Pirates for home-field advantage in the NL Wild Card game. Ivan De Jesus drove in the only run for Cincinnati. Josh Smith took the loss in five innings of work.
Adam Eaton hit a two-run homer and Jeff Samardzija pitched seven innings to lead the White Sox to a 4-2 win over the Royals. Samardzija earned his 11th win, while David Robertson nailed down his 33rd save. Jose Abreu and Alexei Ramirez plated a run apiece for Chicago in the opener of the three-game set. Eric Hosmer and Kendrys Morales popped solo homers for Kansas City, which is a game-and-a-half behind Toronto for the best record in the American League. Johnny Cueto dropped to 3-and-7 with the Royals after allowing three runs in six innings.
Game #2 in the series is tonight with the Pre-Game Show at 6:35 on Newstalk 1060.