Chicago, IL (SportsNetwork.com) - Anthony Rizzo made a memorable return to the Cubs' lineup on Monday with a walk-off home run to give Chicago a 1-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Rizzo, who had missed 18 straight games with a back injury, slugged a 1-0 pitch from Pedro Villarreal (0-1) to straightaway center to supply the only run in the opener of this three-game series.

Rizzo's 31st homer of the year gave the win to Hector Rondon (4-4) for working around a one-out walk in the ninth.

Chicago has won two of three following a seven-game losing streak and matched its win total (66) from last season.

The Reds did not record an extra-base hit and have dropped three of their last four. They wasted a quality start from Alfredo Simon, who worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the first and tossed seven frames of scoreless ball.

Travis Wood was also solid in scattering three hits and three walks over six scoreless innings for Chicago.