Adam Wainwright pitched seven spotless innings with longtime catcher Yadier Molina back behind the plate, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 6-0 on Tuesday night.
Paul Goldschmidt homered and drove in three runs to lead the St. Louis offense. Dylan Carlson, the subject of trade speculation before Tuesday’s deadline, hit a two-run shot. Nolan Arenado also went deep.
Wainwright (8-8) allowed six hits and struck out four in his 192nd career win.
Wainwright and Molina made their 317th career start as batterymates, passing the Boston/Milwaukee Braves duo of Warren Spahn and Del Crandall for sole possession of second place in major league history since 1901.
RHP Miles Mikolas (8-8, 2.86) takes the mound for the Cardinals tonight, 5:50 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:45 on KIRX.
The Pirates beat the Brewers 5-3 to shrink Milwaukee’s lead to 2 games over St. Louis.
The Cardinals and Phillies are back in a tie for the third in the wildcard standings.