DYERSVILLE — This year's Field of Dreams game didn't quite have the fireworks of the 2021 edition, but it was still a nice win for the Chicago Cubs and their many fans in attendance.
Chicago leaned on a three-run first inning en route to a 4-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds Thursday at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville. Quality pitching and just enough timely hitting propelled the Cubs to their third win in the last four games.
Once the dust settled on Thursday's pregame festivities, Chicago jumped on the board early with a plethora of clutch hitting. Four straight two-out baserunners, including RBI knocks from Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ, handed the Cubs a quick 3-0 lead.
That was more than enough cushion for southpaw Drew Smyly, who struck out nine while surrendering four hits over five scoreless frames. The Cubs added more insurance for him in the fourth on Nick Madrigal's run-scoring single.
The Reds' lone breakthrough arrived in the seventh, when Matt Reynolds doubled home two after Jose Barrero and Jake Fraley reached safely. But overall, it was a frustrating night for a Reds offense that finished 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
10:13 p.m. — Cubs' infielder Nick Madrigal relishes his time on the field.
10:04 p.m. — Cubs' pitcher Drew Smyly summarizes his performance tonight.
9:56 p.m. — David Bell praises the Field of Dream Experience.
9:33 p.m. — To the ninth.
Cubs scored three runs in the first...and there have been three total runs scored since. Do we have any late fireworks on tap?
9:01 p.m. — We head to the bottom of the 8th.
Cubs still holding onto a 4-2 advantage.
8:58 p.m. — You want photos? We've got photos.
8:52 p.m. — Chicago Cubs 4, Cincinnati Reds 2.
Reds on the board with a two-run double by Matt Reynolds after Jose Barrero's knock and a walk to pinch-hitter Jake Fraley. Cubs going to the bullpen with the tying run at the plate.
8:48 p.m. — OK back to baseball.
Leadoff double from Jose Barrero gives the Reds (in theory) a good scoring chance. Still looking for their first run tonight.
8:42 p.m. — That seventh-inning stretch was...something.
With the game action slowed over the past few innings, rumors of a unique seventh-inning stretch quickly began spreading. A Harry Caray hologram singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" was quite the scene.
Truly anything can happen at the Field of Dreams.
8:31 p.m. — Great outing from Drew Smyly
The Cubs southpaw was brilliant, twirling five scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. Michael Rucker comes in and shuts down the Reds in the sixth after giving up a leadoff hit.
8:18 p.m. — And the Reds' rally dies.
Drew Smyly continues to slice through this Cincinnati lineup. A grounder to third plus a strikeout of Joey Votto leaves a runner at second. Reds are 0-for-8 with RISP.
8:14 p.m. — Reds have a rare runner in scoring position.
Single by Matt Reynolds, who then moves up to second on a passed ball. One in scoring position with one down.
8:11 p.m. — There are two "Farmers" in the game.
Kyle at third and Buck on the mound for the Reds. How fitting.
8:08 p.m. — Cincinnati Reds head to the bullpen.
That's all for Nick Lodolo, who pitched decently aside from a rough first inning. Seven hits and four runs allowed with four walks and six strikeouts over 4 2/3 innings. Buck Farmer comes in and puts out the fire. To the bottom of the fifth, Cubs still holding a 4-0 advantage.
7:56 p.m. — John Smoltz loves his Iowa nuggets.
The Hall of Fame pitcher is fascinated with many of Iowa's quirks. Among them — the largest popcorn ball, the birth of sliced bread and more golf courses per capita than any other state.
Smoltz is also fixated with "The Finisher" at the Iowa state fair. Do you think you could put this down?
7:45 p.m. — What a throw by Aristides Aquino.
The Reds right-fielder guns down P.J. Higgins at third to end the top of the fourth on a Willson Contreras flyout. Big double play to keep the deficit at four.
7:51 p.m. — Cubs go three-up, three-down
Quick outs by the Cubs' defense brings us to the top of the fifth inning.
7:42 p.m. — Chicago Cubs 4, Cincinnati Reds 0.
With two runners on, Nick Madrigal adds to his team's lead after hitting an RBI single. Chicago now leads 4-0.
7:33 p.m. — Drew Smyly wiggles out of another jam.
Just as it seemed that the Cubs were going to make quick work of the Reds, a walk from Joey Votto and a single from Donovan Solano gets two runners on base. Luckily for Cubs' fans, Smyly struck out Albert Almora Jr. to retire the side.
7:25 p.m. — Willson Contreras is back in the game.
After an injury scare in the top of the inning, Contreras is back in the game at catcher.
7:22 p.m. — Nick Lodolo survives again.
After walking two batters and allowing a hit to another, things were looking murky for Lodolo and the Reds' defense. However, they were able to get out of the jam with two key outs.
7:14 p.m. — Willson Contreras goes down with an apparent injury.
While trying to run back to second base, Contreras seemed to have twisted his ankle. He is currently being walked back to the dugout after getting tagged out.
7:12 p.m. — Drew Smyly in and out of trouble.
Three straight strikeouts after the Reds put two on. A 3-0 Cubs lead still as we move to third.
7:07 p.m. — Here's more on W.P. Kinsella
The famed author of "Shoeless Joe", which then became Field of Dreams has been written about extensively by the Register. Check out some content below.
Author W.P. Kinsella in his own words
The summer I spent with W.P. Kinsella
7:01 p.m. — Here comes the Cincinnati Reds.
Leadoff walk to former Cubs legend Albert Almora Jr., then a single by Aristides Aquino. Two on with nobody down.
6:59 p.m. — ICYMI, here's a look at tonight's headliner entrance.
Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr., just doing father and son things.
6:53 p.m. — A much better second inning for Nick Lodolo.
The Reds southpaw settles in and delivers a much cleaner second inning. Three up, three down with three strikeouts. Onto the bottom half.
6:48 p.m. — Johnny Bench in the TV booth.
Former Reds legend spitting wisdom.
6:42 p.m. — Drew Smyly escapes.
Joey Votto flies out to left and Donovan Solano flies out to right to end the inning. Votto gave Happ an adventure in left. Cubs with a 3-0 lead as we go to the second.
6:41 p.m. — The Cincinnati Reds have something brewing.
Two on with two out after Kyle Farmer singles for the Reds' first hit. Can Cincinnati match the Cubs' first-inning success?
6:32 p.m. — Chicago Cubs 3, Cincinnati Reds 0.
Cubs have a crooked number in the first. Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ follow Suzuki's knock with base hits to give Chicago a 3-0 lead. Four straight two-out hits for David Ross' squad.
6:28 p.m. — Chicago Cubs 1, Cincinnati Reds 0.
Cubs strike first in Dyersville with a two-out run against Nick Lodolo. Patrick Wisdom is plunked with two down, then scores on Seiya Suzuki's RBI double.
6:22 p.m. — We're underway in Dyersville.
Cubs have an early baserunner on a hit by pitch.
6:20 p.m. — Pretty cool pregame scene here.
6:17 p.m. — The ceremonial first pitch comes from Cubs legend Ferguson Jenkins.
Fergie to Johnny Bench. Lots of innings between those two.
6:10 p.m. — Jessie James Decker crushes it on the national anthem.
Read about the national anthem singer here.
6:06 p.m. — Before the start of the game, Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. play catch with one another as the Cubs and Reds come onto the field.
Check it out here.
5:20 p.m. — More Field of Dreams links.
IOWA COVERAGE: 'Everybody wants to be a part of it': Cubs, Reds fans share heavenly day on Iowa cornfield
4:57 p.m. — Plenty of pregame content to sift through before first pitch tonight.
IOWA COVERAGE: 'It's unbelievable here': Field of Dreams trip wins over big-league baseball players — again
REDS COVERAGE: Joey Votto thinks about his late father as he prepares for Field of Dreams game
REDS COVERAGE: Joey Votto's trip to the Field of Dreams means more than he had imagined
CUBS COVERAGE: Chicago Cubs pitchers Adrian Sampson, Justin Steele focus on fatherhood at Field of Dreams
4:53 p.m. — Here are tonight's Field of Dreams starting lineups.
Tonight's pitching matchup is Drew Smyly versus Nick Lodolo.
3:59 p.m. — First batch of pregame photos from the Field of Dreams.
Check them out below.
3:55 p.m. — Make sure you're following the Register and staff on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content.
All the names listed above have been tweeting out Field of Dreams content already throughout today. Give them all a follow to join in.
3:14 p.m. — Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs players and managers discuss what the atmosphere is like at the Field of Dreams.
2:34 p.m. — The Cincinnati Reds have arrived at the Field of Dreams.
2:00 p.m. — Fans are starting to pile in
1:25 p.m. — The Chicago Cubs take the field.
The Cubs get their first look at the Field of Dreams field ahead of tonight's game.
1:11 p.m. — The Chicago Cubs arrive at the Field of Dreams.
David Ross’ bunch is in the house.
12:45 p.m. — We start the day with a question: Where could MLB's next specialty event be played?
In case you missed it, official Field of Dreams beat writer Tommy Birch reported Wednesday that MLB won't return to Dyersville in 2023. Construction on the movie site is the given reason.
Which begs the question, where might the MLB go next?
The AP dove into that topic here recently with a variety of input and speculation. All things considered, The Field of Dreams setup has raised the standard for these specialized MLB games, so one would think getting the next one right too is a top priority.
12:40 p.m. — Follow the Des Moines Register on Instagram for sights and the sounds from the Field of Dreams.
We're roughly six hours from first pitch, and the Register's IG account is up and running from Dyersville. From player arrivals to everything that's part of today's buildup, check here often throughout the day.
More Field of Dreams coverage from the Des Moines Register
Everything you need to know about the MLB Field of Dreams game between the Cubs and Reds
Dargan Southard covers Iowa and UNI athletics, recruiting and preps for the Des Moines Register, HawkCentral.com and the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Email him at msouthard@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter at @Dargan_Southard.
