The Cincinnati Reds' collapse continued Thursday with a 8-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs, completing a four-game sweep at Wrigley Field. The team is now winless in May, falling from first to last place in the NL Central.
The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning. With the bases loaded and no outs, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson hit a grounder to third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes, who tagged third for one out and threw home. The throw beat Ian Happ, but catcher Tyler Stephenson never applied the tag, forgetting the force was removed once the third out was made at third base.
Reds broadcasters John Sadak and Chris Welsh were furious, calling it a "middle school mistake." The Cubs scored four more runs that inning. Cincinnati has now lost seven straight games and last week tied an MLB record by walking seven consecutive batters.
The Reds return home to face the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals.