Wells pitches 5 2-3 strong innings, Byrd homers as Cubs top Reds 8-1

Wells, Byrd lead Cubs past Reds

MESA, Ariz. — Randy Wells pitched 5 2-3 strong innings and Marlon Byrd and Mike Fontenot hit two-run homers Monday, leading the Chicago Cubs to an 8-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Tyler Colvin, a rookie surprise who forced his way onto Chicago’s 25-man roster by being one of baseball’s top hitters all spring, drove in two runs with a double and a grounder. He is batting .455.

Wells, the Cubs’ No. 3 starter, allowed one run on seven hits while walking one and striking out five in his longest exhibition outing.