‘Field of Dreams’ game: Drew Smyly stars as Cubs beat Reds
After the Griffeys played catch in Iowa, Smyly struck out nine in five scoreless innings and Chicago beat the Cincinnati, 4-2, in the second annual event
Ken Griffey Jr., left, and his father, Ken Griffey Sr., walk on to the field before a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the “Field of Dreams” movie site on Thursday in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Drew Smyly throws to the plate during the first inning of their game against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning of the “Field of Dreams” game on Thursday night in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki hits a one-run double against the Cincinnati Reds during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Patrick Wisdom scores as Cincinnati Reds catcher Austin Romine (28) waits for the throw in the first inning of a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Patrick Wisdom of the Chicago Cubs celebrates with Ian Happ after scoring off an RBI double by Seiya Suzuki during the first inning of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo throws against the Chicago Cubs during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki celebrates in the dugout after scoring off an RBI single by Nico Hoerner during the first inning of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds throws out Willson Contreras of the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of the game at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs’ Nelson Velazquez celebrates with Patrick Wisdom (16) after scoring in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki fields a ball against the Cincinnati Reds in the first inning of a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Workers change the scoreboard during a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Kyle Farmer tags the Chicago Cubs’ P.J. Higgins (48) in the fourth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Kyle Farmer tags Chicago Cubs’ P.J. Higgins (48) in the fourth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ (8) throws the ball in after a Cincinnati Reds Donovan Solano hit in the third inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Jonathan India reacts to being hit by a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Former Chicago White Sox player Frank Thomas watches during a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki plays against the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Willson Contreras grabs his ankle as he is tagged out by Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India (6) in the third inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Willson Contreras is attended to by team staff and Manager David Ross, left, during the third inning of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs’ Christopher Morel shatters his bat against the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Fans cheer from the stands during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nick Madrigal can’t reach a hit by Cincinnati Reds’ Matt Reynolds (4) in the fifth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Buck Farmer throws against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki scores in the first inning during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Aristides Aquino of the Cincinnati Reds looks on during the fifth inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Actor Timothy Busfield, right, watches during a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Matt Reynolds hits a two-run double against the Chicago Cubs in the seventh inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Jose Barrero scores against the Chicago Cubs in the seventh inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Brandon Hughes throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the seventh inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, left, and relief pitcher Brandon Hughes (47) talk after the final out of the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Nick Lodolo of the Cincinnati Reds delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the fifth inning of the game at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Actor Dwier Brown cheers during a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (3) catches a Chicago Cubs Willson Contreras fly ball in the ninth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (3) catches a Chicago Cubs Willson Contreras fly ball in the ninth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (3) catches a Chicago Cubs Willson Contreras fly ball in the ninth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Rowan Wick celebrates the final out against the Cincinnati Reds in the ninth inning during a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. The Cubs won 4-2. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Cincinnati Reds bench reacts during the ninth inning of the game against the Chicago Cubs at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras, left, and relief pitcher Rowan Wick celebrate after the final out of the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. The Chicago Cubs won 4-2. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki, right, celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Cincinnati Reds 4-2 at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Former baseball player Ken Griffey Jr. takes the field before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Former baseball player Ken Griffey Sr. take the field before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Ken Griffey Jr., left, and his father, Ken Griffey Sr., walk on to the field before a game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the “Field of Dreams” movie site on Thursday in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Former baseball player Ken Griffey Jr., left, and his father Ken Griffey Sr. take the field before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Ken Griffey Jr., left, and his father Ken Griffey Sr., play catch before a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Ian Happ of the Chicago Cubs walks through the corn stalks prior to the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs’ Marcus Stroman walks through the corn stalks prior to the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds players walk onto the field before a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki, center, takes the field before the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Barrero, left, and Aristides Aquino kneel in the outfield before a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Former Cincinnati Reds player Johnny Bench stands with former players before a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Cincinnati Reds players stand with fans for the national anthem before a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Players stand for the national anthem before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs players stand for the national anthem before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Former Cincinnati Reds player Johnny Bench attends the game against the Chicago Cubs at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Former Cincinnati Reds player Johnny Bench, left, and former Chicago Cubs player Ferguson Jenkins stand together before a baseball game at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
A general view during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Players stand for the national anthem before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A fan holds a ball and glove waiting for autographs before a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Hunter Greene signs items for fans before a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Wade Miley watches warmups before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs manager David Ross, left, talks with Wade Miley, right, before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
A fan watches the Cincinnati Reds take batting practice before a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Field of Dreams “ghost” player Russ Bolibaugh, left, of Dyersville, Iowa, talks with Chicago Cubs center fielder Rafael Ortega, right, before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Cincinnati Reds’ Alejo Lopez throws during warmups for a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs players pose for a team photo on the field before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki walks out of a cornfield before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Rowan Wick takes a photo on the field before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
The Chicago Cubs’ Seiya Suzuki poses for a photo prior to the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds players pose for a team photo before a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman poses for a photo before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki walks past a row of corn before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Groundskeepers prepare the field prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs’ Marcus Stroman takes a selfie prior to the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Chicago Cubs players pose for a photo before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
A general view of signage prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs at Field of Dreams on August 11, 2022 in Dyersville, Iowa. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
A fan walks through a cornfield behind center field before a baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs at the Field of Dreams movie site, Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, in Dyersville, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
DYERSVILLE, Iowa — Standing among rows of Iowa cornstalks, Nico Hoerner had Johnny Bench on his left and Billy Williams right next to him.
“Pretty incredible,” Hoerner said.
For sure. Even for a “Field of Dreams.”
Led by Drew Smyly and a 10-hit attack, the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds, 4-2, on Thursday night in Major League Baseball’s second “Field of Dreams” game.
Nick Madrigal had three hits for Chicago in a throwback ballpark a short walk away from the main field for the 1989 film. Smyly (5-6) pitched five scoreless innings and Ian Happ had two hits, including an RBI double that drove in Hoerner during a fast start for the Cubs.
“The atmosphere was amazing,” Chicago manager David Ross said. “Really cool event.”
The night began with Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. and his father emerging from the iconic outfield cornstalks for their own version of a memorable scene from the film, delighting the sellout crowd of 7,823.
“Hey dad, do you wanna have a catch,” Junior said.
“I’d like that,” Senior said.
The Griffeys then played catch as more parents and children joined them on the field with their own balls and gloves, followed by the Cubs and Reds, dressed in special uniforms inspired by how the franchises looked in the early 20th century.
Williams and Bench were among a group of Hall of Famers from each franchise that also joined the festivities. Bench stood behind the plate for a ceremonial first pitch from Fergie Jenkins.
“What they’ve done here is incredible. … I think every baseball player should experience this,” Reds third baseman Kyle Farmer said.
Backed by Chicago’s three-run first, Smyly improved to 3-1 with a 2.49 ERA in his last four starts. The left-hander allowed four hits and walked two while celebrating the fifth birthday for his daughter, Parker.
Rowan Wick worked the ninth for his seventh save.
“A game like this … you just feel like a kid again,” Smyly said. “You’re just out there playing baseball in the middle of Iowa.”
Cincinnati dropped its fourth straight game. Matt Reynolds hit a two-run double in the seventh, but the last-place Reds went down in order in the final two innings.
Major League Baseball returned to Dyersville – with a population of about 4,400 – after its first “Field of Dreams” game was a smashing success. The Chicago White Sox topped the New York Yankees, 9-8, on Tim Anderson’s electric homer last year in the first MLB game in Iowa.
But the sequel lacked the drama of the original version. Chicago and Cincinnati dropped out of contention a long time ago, and the Cubs grabbed control right at the start against Nick Lodolo (3-4).
Seiya Suzuki and Happ each hit an RBI double in the first, and Hoerner had a run-scoring single. The rally started after Lodolo retired the first two batters.
“I didn’t make pitches when I needed to when I was ahead in the count,” Lodolo said.
Madrigal tacked on an RBI single for a 4-0 lead in the fourth.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
David Bell’s grandfather, father and brother played in the majors. Bell spent 12 years in the big leagues himself and worked as a coach and front office executive before taking over as manager of the Cincinnati Reds.
So yeah, “Field of Dreams,” a movie about family and baseball, hits a little differently for him.
“Baseball’s a big part of our life,” Bell said, “and I thought that the movie did a great job of kind of just telling the story of how important baseball can be to families and just to people in general.”
The makeshift ballpark seats only about 8,000 fans, less than the spring training homes for each team. The Cubs have strong ties to the Hawkeye State, going back to the franchise’s time on WGN-TV and continuing to today with its Triple-A club a couple of hours away in Des Moines.
“There’s moments in the season where you get something different that’s exciting, and making sure you appreciate that I think is the main thing for me,” Ross said.
REMEMBERING RAY
The 1989 movie starred Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta and Amy Madigan. Liotta, who played the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson, died in May at age 67.
Costner narrated a tribute video for Liotta that was aired in the first.
“Long live Shoeless Joe and long live Ray,” Costner said.
IN MOURNING
Hall of Fame right-hander John Smoltz was on the broadcast for FOX Sports after his father, John Adam Smoltz, died earlier Thursday.
“He lived by his faith, he loved family and he would be so mad if I didn’t do this game,” the 55-year-old Smoltz said during the broadcast.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Cubs: Willson Contreras appeared to roll his left ankle when he tried to scurry back to second after rounding the bag on Patrick Wisdom’s single in the third. He was tagged out, but he was back behind the plate for the bottom half of the inning.
Reds: Second baseman Jonathan India (leg contusion) was replaced by Reynolds before the start of the fourth. India was hit on his lower left leg by a pitch in the first. Bell said India is day to day.
