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Chicago Cubs Hold On for Win Against Cardinals 2-1: Recap, Highlights and More

By Dan Schmelzer

Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) hits a one run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) hits a one run single off of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs were able to take care of business on Tuesday night, taking down the St. Louis Cardinals by a score of 2-1.

1. 33. 2. 9. Final

The Chicago Cubs were able to take care of business on Tuesday night, avenging their Opening Day losss with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Jake Arrieta was lights out early in this game, the bullpen was nails and the Cubs were able to scratch just enough runs across the board to come away with a 2-1 victory.

Arrieta looked incredible early in this game. Striking out five of the first seven batters he faced, and retiring the first nine Cardinals batters in order. He did start to lose control later in the middle innings, but Arrieta did an incredible job of keeping the Cubs in the game. Koji Uehara, Pedro Strop and Wade Davis each pitched a scoreless and hitless inning to give the Cubs a victory.

The scoring in this game started in the fourth inning. Addison Russell hit a two-out double and Willson Contreras followed with a walk. Jason Heyward stepped to the plate and hit a bloop single just into the outfield grass in left field, scoring Russell and giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Javier Baez followed that up with a bunt that scored Contreras on a close play at the plate.

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In the seventh inning, the Cubs still led 2-1 when Cardinals slugger Matt Adams hit a deep drive to center field. Adams appeared to have tied the game with a home run, but Cubs center fielder Albert Almora skied high and took the home run away. It was an incredible play in a big moment by the young Almora.

Wade Davis closed the door on the Cardinals in the ninth, looking strong in his Cubs debut. But you must check out the incredible play made by Baez at second base to end the game. That guy is absolutely incredible.

A good win for the Chicago Cubs as they move to 1-1 on the year.

Highlights

Three Stars

Jake Arrieta: 6 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 6 K, 2 BB

Arrieta was the number one star in this game, showing up big-time for the Cubs. He was not perfect but this guy is one of the nastiest pitchers in Major League Baseball. He dominated the Cardinals on Tuesday night.

Albert Almora: 1-3 and elite defense in center field

Almora is an incredible defensive outfielder who is going to win multiple Gold Gloves before his career is over. That catch he made to rob Adams of a home run was incredible and saved the game for the Cubs. He also got his first hit in his first start of the season.

Adam Wainwright: 5 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 6 K, 2 BB

Not a lot of offense in this game, so I am going to go with the losing pitcher as the third star. Wainwright was not good enough, but he was solid for the Cardinals and undoubtedly kept them in the ballgame.

Next: Bold Predictions for 2017 Cubs

Next Game

The Cubs and Cardinals will face off in the final game of this three-game set on Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is set for 12:45. John Lackey will take the mound for the Cubs and he will be opposed by Lance Lynn.

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