Nolan Arenado delivered a two-run single in the eighth inning, while Masyn Winn and Willson Contreras hit home runs as the St. Louis Cardinals secured a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night, completing a sweep of their doubleheader.
Earlier in the day, St. Louis dominated the opener with an 11-3 win, highlighted by Alec Burleson’s three-run homer during a nine-run first inning. Lance Lynn pitched effectively for six innings to earn the win.
Winn expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially against a rival like the Cubs. “We aimed to win this series and add some wins before the break,” Winn commented. “To achieve that in two games in one day is really enjoyable.”
In the second game, Cardinals relievers John King, Andrew Kittredge, and JoJo Romero combined to pitch four scoreless innings after starter Kyle Gibson allowed four runs on 10 hits over four innings.
Pitcher Ryan Helsley secured his 32nd save of the season in 34 opportunities with a scoreless ninth inning.
A pivotal moment came in the eighth inning when Contreras walked and Paul Goldschmidt doubled to set the stage for Arenado’s game-winning hit against pitcher Porter Hodge.
Arenado expressed relief and satisfaction with his clutch hit, emphasizing its importance for the team. “It felt great to come through for the team and contribute to the win,” Arenado said. “I haven’t had many moments like this in the first half of the season, so it was really satisfying. Hodge has good stuff, but I managed to get a good pitch and hit it hard.”
For the Cubs, Michael Busch had three hits and Miguel Amaya hit a home run in the nightcap game.
