After lefty reliever Drew Pomeranz’s 1-2-3 first inning, Brown threw six scoreless innings of one-hit ball, matching a season high with nine strikeouts and helping the Cubs to a 2-0 win.

Drew Pomeranz, Ben Brown, Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia combined on a one-hitter, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-0.

The Cubs could use an opener on Saturday to help Ben Brown, who has struggled in the first inning so far this season, manager Craig Counsell said.