Jason Hammel too good for the Cardinals

Jason Hammel runs up the first-base line on a two-run single off Cardinals starting pitcher Jaime Garcia during the fourth inning on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 in St. Louis.

(Jeff Roberson / AP)

Chicago’s SP Jason Hammel beat the St. Louis Cardinals with his arm and his bat as the Cubs win 2-1 at Busch Stadium.

The Cardinals were the first team to score in the bottom of the second inning. 1B Matt Adams and CF Randal Grichuk each reached first base on a single. With C Yadier Molina at the plate Adams tried to steal third base but Jason Hammel saw it. Trapped between the third and second base SS Addisson Russell tagged Adams for the out.

Moments later, Molina hit a triple to deep left center, which drove in Grichuk for the first score of the game.

The fourth inning turned out to be quite eventful. With two outs and the bases loaded Jason Hammel came to the plate. His single brought LF Jorge Soler and 2B Ben Zobrist home for a 2-1 lead. The bases loaded again after a walk to CF Dexter Fowler but SP Jaime Garcia managed to strike out former Cardinal RF Jason Heyward to end the inning.

The Cardinals were threatening to tie the game in the bottom of the fourth inning. With one out and Molina at the plate again LF Matt Holliday and Mike Adams were in scoring position. Heyward caught the fly ball in right field and made a spectacular throw to home plate where C Miguel Montero tagged the advancing Holliday for the double play.

Jaime Garcia pitched 5 innings, allowing 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 7. His ERA is 2.70 on the season and his WHIP is 0.90. Garcia's pitch count was at 98.

Jason Hammel was relieved after the sixth inning. He gave up 5 hits and struck out 6 batters. He has a 1.00 ERA and 1.11 WHIP after three starts.