The Cardinals have been troubled by a few constants in 2018: an inconsistent bullpen, production out of the cleanup spot in the batting order and a lack of extra-base hits.
None were problems in the team’s 5-2 win over the first-place Cubs Friday. The Cardinals’ bats got to Cubs starter Mike Montgomery and opened up a sizable lead in the early innings.
Catcher Yadier Molina led off the third with a double, and Paul DeJong followed with a drive to right field. Cubs right-fielder Jason Heyward made a noble effort, but the ball hit off his glove and DeJong reached third with a triple.