DeSclafani gave up two hits while striking out five for the Reds, who evened the three-game series after dropping the opener 7-6 in 10 innings Monday night. Acquired this offseason as part of the trade that sent former ace Mat Latos to the Miami Marlins, DeSclafani (1-0) earned his first victory for Cincinnati.
DeSclafani was replaced in the eighth by former Cubs closer Kevin Gregg, who walked Matt Szczur before allowing pinch-hitter Welington Castillo’s two-run home run. Gregg was replaced by Tony Cingrani, who allowed a two-out single to Anthony Rizzo and a walk to Jorge Soler before striking out Chris Coghlan to end the threat.
Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth for his third save.