Cardinals 11 - Cubs 4 (8/16/2026): Burleson, Walker Each Drive in Four

The St. Louis Cardinals delivered an impressive performance at Wrigley Field, defeating the Chicago Cubs 11–4. This win improved the Cardinals' record to 62-61, placing them third in the NL Central. Meanwhile, the Cubs' loss dropped them to 72-52, maintaining their position in second place in the division.

Cardinals Offense Shines

The Cardinals' offense was on full display, accumulating 13 hits with standout performances from Alec Burleson and Jordan Walker. Burleson made a significant impact, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs, while Walker matched his RBI count with a similar performance. Jace Wetherholt also contributed with a pair of hits and scored three times, bolstering the Cardinals' commanding lead.

On the defensive side, the Cardinals kept the Cubs' bats in check. Hunter Dobbins took the win, pitching five innings while allowing only two runs on two hits. Dobbins recorded seven strikeouts and issued four walks, demonstrating control despite the sweltering 100-degree temperature.

Cubs Struggle at Home

The Cubs struggled to find momentum, managing just six hits throughout the contest. Pete Crow-Armstrong provided a spark with a two-run homer, while Miguel Amaya also homered, but it was not enough to close the gap. Taylor's sacrifice fly added another run, but the Cubs' offense overall could not match the Cardinals' production.

Edward Cabrera took the loss for the Cubs, lasting just over three innings and surrendering seven runs on six hits. Despite decent strikeout numbers, Cabrera struggled to contain the Cardinals' offense, conceding a home run to Burleson in the pivotal fourth inning.

Looking Ahead

With the Cardinals now back above .500, they aim to carry this momentum into their upcoming series against the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Oliver Marmol will look to continue this offensive output as they play a string of road games. The Cardinals' road record stands at 30-27, and they'll need to maintain that success to close the gap in the division race.

Meanwhile, the Cubs will attempt to rebound as they face off against their city rivals, the Chicago White Sox, in the next series. Maintaining their current second-place standing in the NL Central will require sharper performances from both their hitters and pitchers. Manager Craig Counsell will be focused on getting his team back on track as they return to Wrigley Field.

This game highlighted the Cardinals' potential in the NL Central, despite their current standing. With a few more victories like this one, they could further solidify their position and apply pressure on the division leaders. The Cubs, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly to maintain their competitive edge in the divisional race.