Alec Mills simply did not have it in the first game lasting only three and two thirds innings allowing six runs on seven hits walking two while striking out just one. The big blow came in the first inning when he gave up a grand slam to Matt Carpenter. It was a disappointing outing for Mills who had gotten off to a very good start.
The Cubs offense was mostly lifeless in the first game managing just three runs on two hits, a lead off home run by Ian Happ and a two-run home run by Josh Phegley. The struggles came despite forcing Jack Flaherty to depart after an inning and two thirds with the bases loaded.
In the second game the Cubs gave the ball to promising right hander Adbert Alzolay and he delivered going five innings of one run ball on two hits while striking out six and walking one. His command was a little shaky at times but he did an excellent job of shutting down the Cardinals lineup.
The offense got started early as the "road" team as Victor Caratini hit a two-run single with one out that scored Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras who had both walked.
The Cardinals would get a run in the fifth after a throwing error by David Bote (though Anthony Rizzo probably should've had it). In the sixth they would tie it on a new Cub killer Brad Miller opposite field single.
David Bote would redeem himself however in the seventh inning when he batted with the bases loaded and one out and delivered with a two-run single off of Giovanni Gallegos. He has consistently been one of the Cubs top performers in the clutch and he delivered once again.
To close the game out the Cubs would turn to Craig Kimbrel for his first save opportunity since his near meltdown against the Royals. He looked excellent striking out three while hitting a batter. His fastball touched 99 MPH and he was getting swings on his pitches.
The Cubs are off tomorrow, but will start a three game series against the Chicago White Sox on Friday. Jon Lester will take on Dallas Keuchel.
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