Cubs hold off Diamondbacks 6-5

Michael Busch had two hits and two RBIs, helping Colin Rea and the Chicago Cubs top the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-5 on Friday.

Alex Bregman added a run-scoring double as banged-up Chicago posted its third consecutive win. Rea (4-1) scattered eight hits over 5 1/3 innings.

Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner departed in the second because of neck tightness. Hoerner is off to a terrific start this year, batting .297 with four homers and 26 RBIs while playing his usual stellar defense.

Arizona’s Ildemaro Vargas extended his career-best hitting streak to 27 games, but the Diamondbacks lost for the seventh time in their last 10 games. 

Arizona right-hander Zac Gallen (1-2) permitted six runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Ryne Nelson (1-2, 7.71 ERA) starts for Arizona on Saturday, and left-hander Shota Imanaga (2-2, 3.15 ERA) pitches for Chicago.



(AP Photo Erin Hooley)