Paul Goldschmidt hit a walk-off RBI single in the ninth inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals won for the 19th time in their last 20 games, 4-3 over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.
Tyler O’Neill homered twice and threw out the potential go-ahead run in the ninth inning for the Cardinals.
Dakota Hudson made his first start for the Cardinals in more than a year, allowing three hits in five scoreless innings. Hudson is returning from Tommy John surgery and worked in relief in his season debut on Sept. 24.
O’Neill has 34 homers this season, including five in his last five games against the Cubs.
Yadier Molina (right shoulder stiffness) did not start for the fourth straight game but is expected to play this weekend, manager Mike Shildt said.
Game two of the series Saturday at 5:20 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:15 on KIRX.