The St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday thanks to an eighth-inning home run by Albert Pujols and an eight-inning shutout from Miles Mikolas. Pujols launched a pinch-hit, two-run drive against reliever Brandon Hughes (2-2).
Pujols, a future member of the Hall of Fame, ranks fourth all-time after Alex Rodriguez (696) and Barry Bonds (762), Hank Aaron (755), Babe Ruth (714) and Hank Aaron (755).
Puols has two pinch-hit home runs this year and seven in his career. He holds the record for most home runs ever with 451 against different pitchers.
St. Louis is a season-best 24 games over.500 with a record of 79-55 after winning four straight games and 18 of their last 20 home games.
The Cardinals had just completed their eighth season sweep of the series. Seven out of eight losses for Chicago.
Two hits were allowed by Mikolas (11-10). He had three strikeouts and one walk. In 17 attempts, Ryan Helsley made his 13th save.
Marcus Stroman, the starting pitcher for Chicago, pitched seven innings of scoreless relief. In a 98-pitch outing, he struck out five batters while walking none.
The rain caused a 1 hour and 28-minute delay in the game’s start.
Jayson Tatum, a star player for the Boston Celtics and a native of St. Louis, threw out the first pitch. 14 miles away from Busch Stadium is Chaminade College Prep, where Tatum played high school basketball.
Second, only to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who scored 95 runs in the opening inning, are the Cardinals.
Due to a painful left foot, C Willson Contreras had to sit out the contest. He was hurt on Tuesday when Toronto visited.
Tuesday at Double-A Springfield, LHP Steven Matz will make a rehab start. He has been sidelined since August 8 due to a sprained left knee.
