Greene gets back to business, twirls 12-K gem against Cubs

July 11, 2026 - 12:33

CINCINNATI -- Hunter Greene was back to business on Friday night, delivering a dominant performance against the Chicago Cubs. The Reds starting pitcher pumped strike after strike from his right arm, fanning 12 batters over seven scoreless innings. His effort led Cincinnati to a 4-0 victory in the series opener at Great American Ball Park.

Greene was in control from the first pitch, mixing a blazing fastball with sharp breaking stuff that kept Cubs hitters off balance all night. He allowed only three hits and walked two, consistently working out of small jams with big strikeouts. The crowd fed off his energy as he mowed down Chicago's lineup with ease.

The Reds offense gave Greene early support, scoring a pair of runs in the first inning and adding two more later in the game. The bullpen closed things out without drama, preserving the shutout. It was a crisp, clean win for a team that needed a strong start from its ace.

For Greene, this outing was a reminder of the kind of pitcher he can be when everything clicks. His fastball sat in the upper 90s, and his slider had hitters swinging at air. The 12 strikeouts matched a season high and showed why the Reds view him as a cornerstone of their rotation. If he can keep this rhythm, Cincinnati will have a real weapon every fifth day.