The Chicago Cubs had been carrying a five-game losing streak recently - including a double-header sweep against the New York Yankees - and things weren't looking good after the first game against the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cubs' offense hasn't looked alive, the pitching staff has been adequate - at best - and the bullpen has looked shaky and unstable. Luckily for Chicago fans, all those concerns were partially erased after the Cubs completed a nice 8-4 win over the Reds at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

The Cubs managed to jump all over lefty Tony Cigriani early and often, scoring one run in each of the first three innings. An RBI single from Justin Ruggiano in the first, a solo HR from Mike Olt in the second and an RBI groundout from Starlin Castro that scored Emilio Bonifacio put Chicago up by three runs early at Wrigley.

The Reds showed some resemblance of comeback with two runs in the top of the sixth. Jay Bruce scored on an RBI double from Devin Mesoraco and Chris Heisey later came around on an RBI groundout from Zack Cozart. However, the Cubs answered right back with three runs straight away thanks to a two-run HR from Darwin Barney and an RBI single from Junior Lake that scored Ryan Kalish.

Cincinnati added two more runs in the top of the seventh. Billy Hamilton scored on an RBI single from Jay Bruce and Joey Votto scored after a fielding error from Mike Olt. The Cubs showed resilience and managed to answer one more time with two more runs after another two-run shot. This time, it was Welington Castillo who went deep off reliever Nick Christiani to give Chicago a 8-4 lead after seven innings that would close the scoring out.

The pitching for the Cubs was quite solid, albeit not spectacular by any means. Edwin Jackson went 5.2 innings and allowed only two runs on eight hits. On the plus side, however, he struck out five batters. Wesley Wright recorded the final out in the sixth - taking a lesser role to regain his confidence - while Hector Rondon pitched the seventh and the eighth and Pedro Strop recorded the save with a strong outing in the ninth. It's nothing to be amazed at, but given how things have been for the Cubs, any sign of improvement is worthy.

Chicago will go for their first series win of the season hosting the Reds again tomorrow at Wrigley Field at 2.20 PM. Homer Bailey (0-1, 8.16 ERA) will start for Cincinnati and Carlos Villanueva (1-3, 11.57 ERA) will take the mound for the Cubs.