Former Cub Wilson Contreras had two hits and two RBI in his return to Chicago, including a tiebreaking double, and the Cardinals beat the Cubs 3-1 on Monday night.
St. Louis also got a strong effort from its bullpen in its second straight win after an eight-game losing streak. Génesis Cabrera (1-0), Jordan Hicks and Ryan Helsley combined for 4 2/3 innings of one-hit ball in relief of Miles Mikolas. Helsley got his fourth save. Mikolas worked 4 1/3 innings, giving up just one run on four hits, striking out seven.
Contreras played for Chicago for seven seasons before departing in free agency, signing an $87.5 million, five-year contract with St. Louis in December. And the three-time All-Star seemed to enjoy the stage at the middle of one of baseball’s biggest rivalries.
3B Nolan Arenado was scratched because of neck stiffness in what the team said was a precautionary move.
Jack Flaherty (2-4, 6.29 ERA) goes for St. Louis tonight, 5:45 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:40 on KIRX.