CHICAGO – Tyler Mahle watched the Reds’ second batter of the day, Scooter Gennett, hit a ball 100.7 mph off his bat that fell harmlessly for the first out of Friday’s game at Wrigley Field and his game plan was secured.



“With the wind being like it was, I wasn’t too worried about a ball leaving the ballpark,” Mahle said following the Reds’ 3-2 victory over the Cubs. “I was hoping that they’d hit in the air somewhere.”



Only six of his 20 outs came through the air, but it was more about how he was able to attack batters than what ultimately happened. Mahle allowed one run on five hits with two walks and four strikeouts to improve to 7-6 on the season.



The Reds have won seven of his last eight starts, with the only loss coming in extra innings in Atlanta. He’s 4-0 with a 2.04 in seven starts since June 1.



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