Chicago Cubs Overpower St. Louis Cardinals in 8-6 Game 3 Win
By Sammy Stava
In a game where NL Cy Young contender Jake Arrieta started NLDS Game 3, the Cardinals managed to score six runs. However, the Cubs hit six home runs Monday night at Wrigley Field. That happens to be a postseason record.
Kyle Schwarber got it started with a solo home run in the Bottom of the 2nd as the Cubs took a 1-0 lead. After the Cardinals took a 2-1 lead in the Top of the 4th off of Arrieta, the Cubs answered in the Bottom of the 4th as Starlin Castro hit a solo shot to tie the game at 2.
A curious decision by Mike Matheny was sending Michael Wacha back out for the Bottom of the 5th after hitting for himself in the top half. It came back to bite, as the Cubs scored three runs with home runs coming from Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo.
The Cardinals continued to fight back, as Jason Heyward‘s two-run home run cut the deficit to 5-4 in the Top of the 6th. However, Jorge Soler‘s two-run shot to put the Cubs ahead 7-4 off of Adam Wainwright was the big blow and proved to be the game-winner.
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Every Cardinal pitcher tonight (Michael Wacha, Kevin Siegrist, Seth Maness, Adam Wainwright, and Jonathan Broxton) allowed at least one run.
The Cubs won 8-6, winning their first postseason game at Wrigley Field since 2003. Chicago leads the series 2-1 and St. Louis is now facing elimination tomorrow.
After the game, Mike Matheny announced to reporters that John Lackey will start Game 4 tomorrow. Lackey will face Jason Hammel as the Cardinals look to stay alive and force a Game 5 Thursday in St. Louis.
The Cardinals have their backs against the walls, but have they have thrived in these situations in the recent past. In 2011, Cardinals faced a 2-1 series deficit in the NLDS against the Phillies, then came back to win that and eventually won the World Series. In 2013, Cardinals faced a 2-1 series deficit in the NLDS against the Pirates, then came back to win and made it to the World Series.
Will that be the case for this year’s NLDS? Game 4 tomorrow afternoon is set for 3:37 p.m. CT on TBS.