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CHICAGO — Joey Votto, Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Will Benson each had two hits, and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5 in the opener of a key four-game series between NL Central contenders. After Andrew Abbott struggled, six Cincinnati relievers combined for 5 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Buck Farmer got five outs for the win, and All-Star Alexis Díaz worked the ninth for his 32nd save in 33 opportunities. Cincinnati increased its lead in the division to 1 1/2 games over Milwaukee. Dansby Swanson hit his 13th homer for third-place Chicago.
