Introduction to the Game
The Chicago Cubs dominated the St. Louis Cardinals with a 9-1 win on Saturday night. Michael Busch hit a three-run home run, and Matt Shaw added a solo shot, contributing to the team’s victory.
Game Highlights
After being shut out 5-0 in the series opener, the Cubs built a six-run lead against Andre Pallante by the second inning. Colin Rea allowed one run in six innings, and Carson Kelly and Dansby Swanson each had three of Chicago’s 13 hits. Busch set the tone by leading off the game with a double into the corner in right field, then scoring on Kyle Tucker’s RBI single.
Turning Point of the Game
Busch made it 5-0 by hitting his 22nd homer of the season — his sixth in eight games against St. Louis this season. He had previously hit four home runs during a three-game stretch when the Cardinals visited Wrigley Field last month. However, he’d hit only three more in 25 games since.
Performance of the Pitchers
Pallante allowed six runs on seven hits in 1 2/3 innings, his shortest outing in 53 career starts. He was pulled after Seiya Suzuki doubled and scored on Kelly’s RBI single. Shaw tripled home Swanson in the third and added a 395-foot solo homer in the fifth that made it 9-0.
Notable Moments
Lars Nootbaar doubled and scored the lone St. Louis run on Alec Burleson’s sixth-inning groundout. The Cardinals played without All-Star second baseman Brendan Donovan, a late scratch due to left groin tightness, and Contreras was removed from the game after an infield single in the sixth.
Key Moment
After Pallante allowed a single to Swanson and walked Shaw despite getting ahead 0-2, catcher Yohel Pozo visited the mound. Busch drove Pallante’s next pitch 374 feet into the stands in right field for a 5-0 Cubs lead.
Key Stat
Busch has six home runs in 34 at-bats against St. Louis this season.
Up Next
The Cubs send LHP Shota Imanaga (8-4, 3.12 ERA) against Cardinals RHP Sonny Gray (10-5, 4.21) in the series finale Sunday.
Conclusion
The Chicago Cubs’ victory over the St. Louis Cardinals was a testament to their strength and skill. With Busch’s three-run home run and Shaw’s solo shot, the team was able to secure a 9-1 win. The Cubs’ performance in this game showcases their potential to succeed in the season.
FAQs
Q: Who hit a three-run home run for the Chicago Cubs?
A: Michael Busch hit a three-run home run for the Chicago Cubs.
Q: What was the final score of the game?
A: The final score was 9-1 in favor of the Chicago Cubs.
Q: Who will be pitching for the Cubs in the series finale?
A: LHP Shota Imanaga will be pitching for the Cubs in the series finale.
