Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (Simulated Game 16): Cubs 3, Cardinals 2 – Hendricks Tops Flaherty in Pitchers’ Duel

The Chicago Cubs (9-7) shook off Saturday’s tough loss thanks to a strong effort from Kyle Hendricks and just enough offense. The St. Louis Cardinals (4-12) went with ace Jack Flaherty, who pitched well save for one bad inning. Luckily, that rough spot was enough for Chicago to take the three-game series at Wrigley, via MLB The Show 20.

Hendricks’ only trouble came in the top of 2nd inning when Brad Miller and Harrison Bader singled with one out. Matt Wieters got clipped by a rare misplaced changeup from the Professor to load the bases and Flaherty drove in a run with a sacrifice fly before a strikeout of Kolten Wong ended the threat.

The Cubs finally got to the young Cardinals starter in the 4th inning, when Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras singled to put two on with none out. Second baseman David Bote was the hero this time, ripping a two-run double to left field. Steven Souza Jr. followed with a single to score Bote and up the lead to 3-1.

Hendricks cruised through the 7th inning and kept the Cards off the board, but things got dicey for when Craig Kimbrel gave up a one-out triple to Bader in the 9th. A Wieters single scored that run, but Kimbrel struck out the next two batters to earn the save.

Key Players:

Bote – 2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Schwarber – 3-for-4
Hendricks – 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Bader – 2-for-4, 3B, R
Wong – 2-for-5
Reyes – 1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Winning Pitcher – Hendricks (2-1)
Losing Pitcher – Flaherty (0-4)
Save – Kimbrel (4)
Home Runs – none

Sunday Standings:
Reds – 10-5
Brewers – 10-5
Cubs – 9-7
Pirates – 6-10
Cardinals – 4-12