Hoover unable to close door in Chapman's stead

CINCINNATI -- There haven't been many times this season that Aroldis Chapman was unavailable to close a game for the Reds. Tuesday proved to be unfortunate timing for Chapman to need a night off during the Reds' 5-4 loss to the Cubs in 13 innings.

Chapman threw a career-high 44 pitches on Sunday vs. the Indians, and 13 pitches on Monday for the save vs. Chicago. With Cincinnati holding a 4-2 lead going into the top of the ninth on Tuesday, manager Bryan Price called on the next-best option for the save behind Chapman in J.J. Hoover.

Video: CHC@CIN: Chapman fans Rizzo to secure the save

"We had some limitations," Price said. "We knew we didn't have Chapman and a couple other guys we really didn't want to utilize today; we've been using some of these guys fairly heavy."

Hoover, who earned a save on May 24 at Pittsburgh when Chapman was on paternity leave, came in with a 1.31 ERA in 42 games. That ranked him second in the National League among relievers with at least 41 1/3 innings pitched. He hadn't allowed an earned run since June 30, a span of six innings over six games.

Dexter Fowler led off the Cubs' ninth with a single. Rookie Kyle Schwarber followed by hitting a 3-2 fastball to right field for a game-tying two-run home run. It was the first homer Hoover has given up all season.

"We've used him a lot. That was four out of five [days] and he's pitched a lot," Price said. "We knew we didn't have Chappy today and needed to give him a day off. Hoove said he could go. He's been pitching great. He just fell behind Fowler and ended up giving him a fastball to hit. He did a nice job getting the base hit. Then the young guy does a nice job of fighting off some pitches and being able to hit a 3-2 fastball out of the ballpark."