The tone for the Cubs’ 10-3 win over the Cardinals Thursday, their sixth straight victory, was set just three batters into the game.
The first two hitters, Mike Tauchman and Nico Hoerner, went down quietly.
Ian Happ’s backswing hit Willson Contreras in the mask. Part of the metal mask must have cut into Willson’s head, because blood was drawn. Contreras had to leave the game and likely needed stitches.