Hammel, Rizzo power Cubs in rout of Reds

CINCINNATI — Through seven games of their season series vs. the Reds, the Cubs’ offense has been relentless. Five of those contests have been blowouts in Chicago’s favor, and Sunday was the latest romp. Led by Anthony Rizzo’s two home runs, the Cubs recorded a 9-0 win over Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park.

Rizzo hit a two-run homer to right-center field in the first inning and another two-run shot to center field in the third inning — both coming against Reds starter Alfredo Simon. The Cubs, who also scored two runs in the top of the second inning, had an 8-0 lead through three.

So far in the seven-game season series, the Cubs have outscored the Reds by a 60-20 margin. Cincinnati’s lone win came on Saturday in the just-wrapped four-game series.Take away the 15-hit attack in that game, and Chicago pitching limited the Reds to eight hits with two shutouts in its three wins.

• Rizzo has 5 HRs in 5 games for second time in career

“They roughed us up five out of the seven games we played. We lost six out of seven,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “We understand they outplayed us. But going into New York, it’s going to be a great atmosphere playing the National League champs and getting after it and looking for better results.”

Cubs starter Jason Hammel was the latest Cubs pitcher to benefit from robust run support while he delivered six scoreless innings with three hits, two walks and seven strikeouts. Simon, who was scratched from his previously scheduled start with right biceps tendinitis, was done after he allowed eight earned runs and nine hits over 2 2/3 innings.

“Jason Hammel, that’s as well as he can throw a baseball,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.

With the win, the Cubs have matched their best road start since 1914. They also opened 10-3 on the road in 1946, 1987 and 1995.

“We don’t really pay attention to what’s going on outside the lines,” Hammel said. “Whether it’s Yankee Stadium or Wrigley or Great American Ball Park, it doesn’t matter to us, we’re just going out there and playing the game. When you’re winning, it’s fun.”

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDSolid relief: Drew Hayes, who gave up a grand slam on Thursday in his Major League debut, had a much better second outing on Sunday. Hayes followed Simon by allowing one earned run and four hits over 3 1/3 …

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