Kyle Hendricks, Addison Russell lead Cubs over Cardinals

wireready_09-17-2017-10-52-08_09609_cardinals5

CHICAGO (AP)   Kyle Hendricks pitched effectively into the eighth inning, Addison Russell homered and the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 4-1 on Saturday to increase their NL Central lead.

Chicago has won five straight and leads Milwaukee by 3 1/2 games and St. Louis by five in the division.

Albert Almora Jr. had three hits and two RBIs for the Cubs.

Russell was activated before the game after being sidelined since early August with plantar fasciitis of the right foot. He pinch hit in the eighth and hit a solo shot against Tyler Lyons to the back of the left-field bleachers.

Hendricks (7-5) allowed one run and six hits in a season-high 7 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked one.

The Cardinals will look to avoid getting swept Sunday as Michael Wacha goes to the mound, and the Cubs will go with Jose Quintana. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:20. Sunday’s game can be heard on KTLO-AM. The Ameren Pregame Show begins at 12:25.

WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI