Cardinals hold off Cubs

Matt Holliday #7 of the St. Louis Cardinals runs the bases after hitting a two-run homer against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning on June 21, 2016 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois.

(June 21, 2016 - Source: David Banks/Getty Images North America)

The St. Louis Cardinals (37-33) hold off the Chicago Cubs (47-22) as they win 4-3 in game two of their three-game series at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs put the first run on the board. LF Chris Coghlan singled to lead off the bottom of the first inning and RF Jason Heyward followed with a walk. Chris Coghland advanced to third base on a groundout by 3B Kris Bryant and came home on a sacrifice flyball from 1B Anthony Rizzo.

St. Louis tied the game in the second inning. RF Stephen Piscotty hit a leadoff double and crossed home plate on a two-out single by 1B Brandon Moss.

One inning later, the Cardinals scored three more runs. 2B Matt Carpenter hit a solo homer to open the third and LF Matt Holliday hit another long ball, driving in SS Aledmys Diaz for a 4-1 lead.

Chicago cut the deficit to two in the bottom of the frame. Chris Coghlan drew a leadoff walk and hustled home on a double from Jason Heyward.

The Cubs scored another run in the next inning. C Willson Contreras led off with a single and moved to third base on another single by SS Addison Russell. CF Albert Almora Jr. grounded into double play next but Willson Contreras ran home for Chicago’s third run.

CL Trevor Rosenthal earned his 14th save of the season, giving up one hit and one walk, before retiring the side in the ninth. He posts a 4.50 ERA with a 1.92 WHIP this year.

St. Louis’ SP Adam Wainwright (6-4) pitched 6.2 innings, allowing 6 hits, 3 walks and 3 earned runs while fanning 4. He now has a 4.73 ERA on the season with a 1.31 WHIP.

Chicago’s SP Jason Hammel (7-3) worked 5.2 innings, surrendering 6 hits, 1 walk and 4 earned runs while striking out 3. His ERA and WHIP went up to 2.55 and 1.08, respectively.

Matt Holliday went 1-for-4 with 1 run, 1 HR and 2 RBI. He is batting .253 this year and has 31 runs, 13 HR and 40 RBI.