Cubs’ Anthony Rizzo Records His 100th Career Home Run Against Cardinals

Matt Carpenter tripled and scored twice as the Cardinals’ ended their three-game losing streak. For the Cubs’ part, they would love to catch the Cardinals, but first come the Pirates, whose lead over them has been whittled to just two games.

“If somebody were to get on base, you’re probably going to want to do something anyway, so give a [reliever] a clean inning”, said Maddon, who nonetheless acknowledged the unsteady recent performance of his patchwork pen. We’re fine. There’s no panic. “We had a team meeting and talked about getting back to being fun”.

Manager Mike Matheny had a press conference after their loss and he showed no concern. “He’s able to think ahead and then make those physical adjustments as well”.

“I felt good, cutter was better today”, Lester said. “As soon as I hit it, I knew it would get down”.

Wacha (15-4, 2.69 ERA) was scratched Wednesday against Washington to limit his innings over the regular season’s final month.

The soft spot on the Cubs’ constantly improving club is the bullpen, and as they attempted to escort a 3-1 lead to the finish the Cardinals stirred.

The pitch count got to Martinez, however, and after five innings and 99 pitches, he was done. However, the Cubs stranded eight men during Martinez’s stint, which wound up being crucial.

“The whole thing, I’m not believing everything I read”, Maddon said, then added to reporters, “Sorry, guys and ladies”. “His mind was right”.

The Cardinals’ bullpen retired 12 of the 13 batters they faced. (That’s) not to say we won’t do it again.

Matheny gambled by playing the freshly activated Randal Grichuk, who is coming off a strained right elbow and can’t throw, in center field. Pinch hitter Greg Garcia singled for the Cardinals’ first hit since an RBI single by right fielder Jason Heyward in the first.

The Cubs managed to give up five walks in their last game.

Lester also got his second career hit, both against St. Louis.

The worst-case scenario bit the Cardinals in each of the first two innings. The over/under total for the game has been set at 7.5 runs.

Haren did not factor in the decision against Cincinnati on Tuesday, exiting after allowing two runs in five innings to remain 1-2 in six outings since being acquired from Miami. Those teams of course being the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are gaining ground on the Cardinals in the central division. Votto was tossed by plate umpire Bill Welke while the Reds were trying to rally in the eighth. After winning pitcher Dan Haren extended the inning with a two-out single, shortstop Addison Russell cracked a three-run homer, his 13th.

Yadier Molina was walked, and Tony Cruz came in to replace him at first base.

INDIANS 6, WHITE SOX 4 Francisco Lindor had three hits, including a home run, Jose Ramirez also homered and visiting Cleveland beat Chicago. The Cubs have won four in a row and got an 11-game trip off to a strong start. Starlin Castro (8 for 17 with a homer and two doubles) and Anthony Rizzo (7 for 17 with a home run) have hit Wacha well throughout their careers. Adams was hitting.243 in 144 at-bats with four home runs and 20 RBIs before missing 91 games.