Full Breakdown
Cubs Edge Reds with Walk-Off Homer in Fifth Straight Win
5/5/2026, 2:09:40 PM
Cubs Edge Reds with Walk-Off Homer
In the ninth inning at Wrigley Field, pinch-hitter Michael Conforto hit a 3-2 pitch for a solo home run, giving Chicago a 5-4 win over Cincinnati. The Cubs had tied the game earlier when Pete Crow-Armstrong’s triple was followed by Nico Hoerner’s sacrifice fly. The game followed a 1-hour, 40-minute rain delay.
Background & Context
Chicago entered with a 12-game home winning streak, the longest at Wrigley since 2008, and a six-game overall streak. The Cubs held a 23-12 record, three games ahead of the Reds, who were on a four-game losing streak.
Key Figures & Groups
Michael Conforto delivered the walk-off; Pete Crow-Armstrong supplied the go-ahead triple; Nico Hoerner produced the sacrifice fly. Reds closer Emilio Pagán surrendered the homer, while manager Terry Francona defended his effort. Craig Counsell managed Chicago’s late-inning strategy; Dane Myers attempted a leaping catch on the triple.
Data & Statistics
The final score was Cubs 5, Reds 4. Chicago’s home winning streak reached 12 games and its overall streak 6, improving its record to 23-12. Cincinnati fell to a fourth straight loss, now three games behind in the NL Central. Seiya Suzuki’s fourth-inning, 455-foot three-run homer was Chicago’s longest of the season. Pagán’s ERA rose to 6.43; his season record is 2-0.
Why It Matters / Impact
The win extended Chicago’s lead in a division where all five teams hold winning records, reinforcing the Cubs’ home-field advantage and widening the Reds’ gap in the NL Central race.
Official Statements & Responses
Cubs manager Craig Counsell said the at-bat required precise execution. Reds closer Emilio Pagán acknowledged the missed pitch and the need to locate a better one. Francona defended Pagán, attributing the blown save to a temporary loss of velocity. Myers described his missed catch as an “alligator-armed” effort.
Criticism & Opposition
Red analysts noted Pagán’s third blown save in nine chances, questioning his reliability in high-leverage spots. Francona’s remarks suggested confidence in Pagán remains despite recent failures, highlighting a tension between performance data and managerial support.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In T-ball? I might’ve had a couple,” — Michael Conforto, veteran outfielder, Chicago Cubs
- “It’s really hard to sit on the bench for 8 ‰ innings, to sit on the bench that long and find any sort of, like, sexy feeling that we like to feel as hitters.” — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Cubs outfielder
- “I made two mistakes today, and they both got hit.” — Emilio Pagán, Reds closer
- “I’m not sure I care about a month ago,” — Terry Francona, Reds manager
What’s Next
Chicago will host Cincinnati for a four-game series starting Monday, then travel to Texas, Atlanta and Chicago on a road trip. The Reds seek to stop their losing streak and regain ground in the division.
