Chris Volstad's winless streak continues as Cubs lose 5-4 to Reds; Alfonso Soriano's milestone; Starlin Castro's extension update

The Cubs lost 5-4 to the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at Great American Ballpark.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and allowed four runs over seven hits and struck out four batters and walked one over six innings pitched. 

Volstad has now gone 24 consecutive starts without a win, as he received a no-decision today since relief pitcher Shawn Camp was tagged with the loss.

Starter Chris Volstad has now gone 24 consecutive starts without a win (photo from cubs.com)

The right-hander said, "If you've won five in a row and you've got a five-game win streak, are you going to worry about not wining your next game?  Or if you've lost five in a row, are you going to worry about losing?  No, you're going to go out there and compete and try and win each individual time you're out there.  That's all I'm doing."  Well, I sure hope he can get a win soon.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "Not some of the smartest baseball I've ever seen today," when asked to comment on today's game.  He might have been referring to outfielder Brett Jackson trying to steal third base with one out in the ninth and the game tied.  Jackson was thrown out and the Cubs ended up losing the game by a run.

There were some highlights to the game, which include outfielder David DeJesus, who had three hits, a double, an RBI and also scored two runs.  Alfonso Soriano had two RBIs.

In other Cubs news, the team claimed left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw off waivers from the San Diego Padres.  In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Arodys Vizcaino was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Also, worth mentioning, outfielder Alfonso Soriano earned his 1,000th career RBI in yesterday's first doubleheader game against the Reds.

Alfonso Soriano drove in his 1,000th career RBI on Saturday against the Reds in Cincinnati (Getty Images photo)

On another note, the reported 7-year, $60 million contract extension for Starlin Castro hasn't been finalized yet.  When asked about the deal, Castro said, "I like it, but I don't know if it is sure yet. (My agent) will let me know right away.  He hasn't called."

Soriano's advice to the young shortstop was, "I just talk to him about staying humble, you know," Soriano said.  "Love the game and work hard to get better.  Money is good, but it won't make you better.  Always the money is there if you play hard and play good."

Tomorrow the Cubs will start a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park at 7:10pm CT.  Justin Germano will start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win since joining the Cubs.