Chicago Cubs roll to fifth-straight win behind Kyle Hendricks’ effort

The Chicago Cubs got another outstanding effort from Kyle Hendricks as Albert Almora paced the offense in a 4-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals Saturday.

Since he came back from the disabled list, Kyle Hendricks is yet to allow three runs in a start. The Chicago Cubs used that streak to their advantage on Saturday, giving the team their fifth consecutive victory.

Chicago (82-66) jumped out to a lead in the fourth and never looked back. Albert Almora got things going with a base hit up the middle to score Anthony Rizzo. Ian Happ followed with a knock that plated Willson Contreras, giving the Cubs a 2-0 advantage.

Hendricks took it from there. The right-hander was lights-out, becoming the only other pitcher than Jon Lester to record more than 21 outs in a start this season. He pitched into the eighth, allowing just one run on six hits. He struck out five and walked just one. The sinker was spot-on Saturday – literally from the word ‘go.’

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In the bottom of the fifth, it was again Almora who delivered. The outfielder doubled to left, scoring Rizzo again to make it 3-0.

St. Louis (77-71) got one back in the eighth with two outs. Matt Carpenter took Hendricks deep for a solo shot, ending his afternoon.

But the Cubs weren’t done yet.

Addison Russell, in his first at-bat since returning from the disabled list, got it right back in a big way. The infielder smacked a monster blast into the left-field bleachers, giving Chicago a 4-1 advantage heading into the ninth.

On the afternoon, the Cubs tallied 10 hits against St. Louis pitching. Rizzo delivered two runs and scored twice, while Almora added three knocks and drove in two. Ian Happ also added a hit and an RBI in the win.

Chicago now holds a five-game edge over the Redbirds in the Central. Milwaukee is in action as the away team tonight at Miller Park against the Marlins.

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What’s Next

Chicago and St. Louis conclude the three-game set on Sunday with a 1:20 p.m. CT start at Wrigley.

Lance Lynn (11-7, 3.01) starts opposite left-hander Jose Quintana (10-11, 4.25).