ST. LOUIS (AP) Andrew Miller and Ryan Helsley were hit hard as St. Louis’ bullpen stumbled during an 8-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Friday night, but the Cardinals’ magic number for clinching the NL Central dropped to two.
Miller (5-6), Helsley and Giovanny Gallegos allowed each of Chicago’s runs after Dakota Hudson struck out 10 in five scoreless innings.
The Cardinals (90-70) lost their third consecutive game after winning six in a row. Their magic number for clinching their first division title since 2015 was sliced to two when second-place Milwaukee lost 11-7 at Colorado.
Ian Happ and Robel Garcia homered for Chicago, which had lost nine in a row. The Cubs were swept in a four-game series against the Cardinals last weekend.
The series continues Saturday as Adam Wainwright starts for the Cardinals, and the Cubs will go with Cole Hamels. The first pitch at Busch Stadium is scheduled for 6:15. Saturday’s game can be heard on KTLO-AM. The broadcast begins at 5:20, with Ameren Total Access.
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