Reds' Bauer gives props to Cubs for chirping

The chirp battle between the Cubs and Reds returned Wednesday, and Cincinnati pitcher Trevor Bauer had some pointed comments following his 3-0 victory at Wrigley Field.

When Bauer finally left the mound with two outs in the eighth inning, after 10 strikeouts and just 3 hits allowed, he waved to the Cubs dugout.

"They were yelling at me all night," Bauer said after the game. "It was kind of funny. I've got to give them props. They actually chirped all night and yelled at me all night. Normally when they get behind they shut up really quick.

"Even when I got taken out, they were yelling 'bye' at me, so I gave them a nice little wave and some other stuff. It's impressive that you can chirp at someone after he shoves it up your (rear) for 7⅔ innings."

Bauer has had some Twitter interactions with Cubs starter Yu Darvish in the past. But the two pitchers are friendly. Darvish said he consulted Bauer for advice last season when he was struggling with control.

Darvish won a matchup against Bauer in Cincinnati two weeks ago. But on Wednesday, his streak of seven straight wins in seven starts, with no more than 1 earned run allowed, came to an end.

"He's a great pitcher," Darvish said of Bauer after the game. "On this planet, I believe he's the best pitcher."

Reds pitcher Tejay Antone accused the Cubs of excessive chirping after one of the games in Cincinnati when he threw a pitch over Anthony Rizzo's head.