It seems like May is fitting well for the Chicago Cubs. The team is hosting the St. Louis Cardinals on a three-game series and after a good win yesterday by a 6-5 score where the bullpen had a very good performance, today the bats came through to give Chicago their third straight win and second against St. Louis by a 3-0 score.
The Cubs were very efficient on offense, getting only six hits but drawing three walks as well. The important thing is that the team always managed to make things happen and kept the Cardinals’ pitchers in check.
The Cubs had a golden opportunity to score in the fifth with the bases loaded against Michael Wacha, but they failed to convert on the chance. However, Chicago would score the first runs of the game in the sixth. After a hit from Starlin Castro, Junior Lake battled against Wacha and manage to sent a two-run shot deep into the bleachers to put Chicago on top after six frames.
Chicago would add an insurance run on the eighth after a solo homer from Anthony Rizzo. It was Rizzo’s sixth HR of the season, a category where he leads the team and he’s quickly moving up the ladder in the NL.
The Cubs also had a great performance from their bullpen. After a strong start from Jake Arrieta – who kept the Cards scoreless through 5.1 innings while also striking out seven – the bullpen picked up the slack and rode the momentum. Brian Schlitter, James Russell, Neil Ramirez, Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon all took the mound and pitched 3.2 innings allowing three hits and fanning three.
It was a strong performance from the Cubs and now they have a three-game winning streak. Now the focus will turn to Sunday where Chicago will look to get their first swept of the campaign against one of their rivals.