Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/24/22): Cubs 3, Cardinals 0 – Cubs Blank Birds at Busch

The Cubs hoped to surprise the Cardinals at Busch Stadium Friday night. Fortunately, Kyle Hendricks continues to own St. Louis and pitched his team to a win.

Nico Hoerner put Chicago ahead via a two-run home run off of Andre Pallante in the 2nd. Ian Happ extended the lead to three with a run-scoring double in the 5th inning.

Hendricks was very good from the beginning on Friday efficiently moving through the early frames. The Cubs starter made it all the way into the 8th before coming out with a pair of men on base. Reliever Chris Martin stranded those runners and David Robertson close out the victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

Kyle Hendricks and the bullpen kept the Cardinals off the scoreboard Friday night. You are always going to win when you don’t give up any runs.

Eye on the Future

Hoerner continues to emerge as the player Chicago hoped he would be when they drafted him in the first round. If he can continue to add slugging to his quality hitting and defense he can be a real star.

Stats That Matter

• The Professor continues his roller coaster season with a high Friday: 7.1 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 6 K, and 1 BB.
• David Bote was 0-4 in his return to the lineup for the first time in 2022.
• Nico had a single and a walk in addition to his dinger.

Bottom Line

Kyle Hendricks still has that good stuff in him, it’s not something you can count on but it’s good to know it’s there. Also, it always is fun to beat the Cardinals no matter how bad a year is going.

On Deck

The Cubs go for a series win Saturday at 1:15pm CT. Adrian Sampson gets a spot start against Miles Mikolas in a contest available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.