Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/11/21): Cubs 8, Cardinals 5 – Cubs Storm Back at Rowdy Wrigley
The atmosphere at Wrigley Field was electric Friday with a full-capacity crowd returning to the stands. The Cubs rode that energy to an epic comeback win over their bitter rivals.
The Cardinals jumped ahead on starter Kohl Stewart with run-scoring hits from Matt Carpenter and Nolan Arenado making it 2-0 after three. Joc Pederson homered off of Johan Oviedo in the 4th to cut the lead in half.
St. Louis rallied after Stewart walked the pitcher to open the 5th. Arenado singled in a pair and the lead grew to 5-1.
The Cubs stormed back with a two-run triple from Sergio Alcántara in the bottom of the frame. Alcántara then scored on a Yadier Molina throwing error to make it 5-4.
Anthony Rizzo worked an incredible 14-pitch at bat against Daniel Ponce de Leon in the 6th. Rizzo finally smoked a game-tying solo-homer to right and Wrigley exploded..
Pederson put the Cubs ahead for good with a two-run double off of flame-throwing lefty Genesis Cabrera in the 7th. Willson Contreras added his own solo jack in the 8th.
Tommy Nance, Ryan Tepera, and Craig Kimbrel closed out the win. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
They won the battle of the bullpens quite handily Friday, keeping with the early theme for the season.
Key Moment
Rizzo’s homer gave fans a huge shot in the arm. The momentum shifted and the Cubs did not let up
Stats That Matter
- Kohl had a rough outing: 4 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 3 K, and 2 BB.
- Pederson stayed red-hot with three hits.
- Jason Heyward had two hits that led to a pair of runs.
Bottom Line
This was an impressive comeback win for the Cubs. They really fed off the big crowd and looked like real contenders.
On Deck
Game two is the Fox Saturday Game of the Week. Kyle Hendricks faces John Gant in a contest starting at 6:15pm CT.
