The Chicago Cubs broke open a close game with an 8-run eighth inning in a 12-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Ten of the 11 Cubs hitters in the eighth reached base on six hits, three walks and an error by Nolan Arenado, while two of their three outs came on the bases.
With the win, the Cubs moved two games over .500 (23-21) for the first time since they were 3-1 on April 5, pulling to within two games of St. Louis in the National League Central. They’ve won five of their last six games and improved to 12-6 in May.
Kyle Hendricks (4-4) allowed one earned run over 6 2/3 innings, his second straight strong outing. He has given up two earned runs over those two starts, covering 14 2/3 innings.
Leading 4-3 in the eighth, Eric Sogard drove in an insurance run before Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras drew bases-loaded walks. The Cubs continued piling on, taking the first meeting this season between the two archrivals.
Joc Pederson homered on the first pitch of the game, Ian Happ delivered three hits — including two in the eighth — and Nico Hoerner scored three runs. Pederson, Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and David Bote each drove in a pair of runs.
