CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds 3-1 on Wednesday night to finish the series sweep. Here’s a quick look at the game.

How it happened: Kyle Hendricks gave up a run in the first inning but shut down the Reds the rest of his outing. The Cubs tallied twice in the second to take the lead for good. A Chris Valaika single scored Jorge Soler to tie the game 1-1, then Ryan Kalish hit a ground-rule double to plate Luis Valbuena with the eventual winning run. Valbuena drove in an insurance run in the eighth, as Soler walked in front of him to keep the lineup moving. Soler and Anthony Rizzo both walked twice in the game. Hendricks went seven innings, giving up seven hits while working out of a several jams. Chris Coghlan saved two runs in the seventh with a leaping catch at the wall off the bat of Kristopher Negron. Hector Rondon earned his 25th save.

What it means: The Reds scored one run in the entire series -- it came on a ground out in the first inning on Wednesday -- as the trio of Travis Wood, Jake Arrieta and Hendricks shut down Cincinnati. The Reds don’t exactly have a dynamic offense, but this was as good as the Cubs’ starting staff has pitched in a single series all year. Hendricks lowered his ERA to 2.28. If not for a late start to his major league career this season, he might be a candidate for rookie of the year. He continues to make the right pitch at the right time more often than not. Double plays and good defense behind him are his trademark, as well. Maybe his quick pace has something to do with the latter.

Alcantara day-to-day: Before the game, Cubs manager Rick Renteria said outfielder Arismendy Alcantara was doing better after injuring his right hand while tracking down a fly ball on Monday night. Alcantara ran into the wall in center field and was seen with a wrap on his wrist on Tuesday, though he wasn’t wearing one on Wednesday. He’s hopeful to play this weekend.

Olt to see time at 3B: Renteria indicated infielder Mike Olt would get some playing time at third base soon.

“We’ll see what our schedule is, but I think you’ll see him at third before the season is out,” Renteria said.

What’s next: The Cubs open a four-game series at home with the West-leading Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday at 7:05 p.m. CT, as Tsuyoshi Wada (4-3, 3.34) takes on Zack Greinke (15-8, 2.64).