Cubs 6 - Cardinals 4 (7/5/2026): Hoerner's Two RBIs Seal Victory

The Chicago Cubs secured a 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on a scorching day at Wrigley Field. With this win, the Cubs improved their record to 49-40, maintaining their position as second in the NL Central. Meanwhile, the Cardinals slipped to a 47-39 record, placing them third in the division.

The game kicked off with the Cubs taking an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning. The Cardinals struggled to find their footing early, failing to put any runs on the board until the sixth inning. By then, the Cubs had already established a dominant presence.

Mid-Game Turnaround

The sixth inning proved to be a pivotal moment for both teams. The Cardinals surged back with three runs, narrowing the gap and giving their fans a glimmer of hope. However, the Cubs responded swiftly and decisively in the bottom half, adding four runs to their tally.

Matthew Liberatore, the Cardinals' starting pitcher, had a rough outing, allowing four runs over five innings. Despite Liberatore's struggles, the Cardinals managed to rally behind their lineup, led by Jordan Walker's standout performance. Walker smashed a home run, contributing four RBIs to the Cardinals' cause.

For the Cubs, Nico Hoerner's two RBIs played a crucial role in their success. Patrick Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman also made significant contributions, each crossing the plate to further the Cubs' lead. The team was solid in their execution, capitalizing on their opportunities and maintaining composure throughout.

Pitching Performances

The Cubs' pitching staff displayed resilience on the mound. Drew Pomeranz earned the win despite allowing a late run in his single inning of work. Justin Webb closed out the game with two scoreless innings, ensuring the Cubs held onto their lead.

On the other hand, the Cardinals' bullpen had mixed results. Max Svanson and Raul Fernandez attempted to mitigate the damage, with Fernandez notably keeping the Cubs hitless during his 1.33 innings. However, the earlier innings had already shifted the game's momentum in favor of the Cubs.

Despite the Cardinals' late-game efforts, they couldn't overcome the Cubs' solid team performance. With two errors on their side, the Cardinals couldn't capitalize on their opportunities to turn the game around. In contrast, the Cubs played a clean game defensively, which helped seal their victory.

Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies and strengthen their standings. The Cardinals will return to Busch Stadium to host the Milwaukee Brewers in their upcoming series. They aim to bounce back and reclaim momentum in the NL Central division.

The Cubs are set to travel and face the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. With their spirits high from this victory, they will seek to continue their winning ways on the road. The outcome of these next series will be vital for both teams as they navigate the competitive landscape of the division.

With this win, the Cubs have shown their capability to perform under pressure and take advantage of key moments in the game. As the season heats up, fans can expect more exciting encounters between these divisional rivals.