John Jay doubled home the winning run in the top of the 10th inning for the Cardinals as they defeated the Cubs, 5-4, in extra innings. After Jay drove in the go-ahead run, Jason Motte came in for the Cardinals to put the game away.
The victory sees the Cardinals increase their lead for the final wild-card spot to 2½ games over the both the Brewers and Dodgers, with the Dodgers still in action on Saturday.
The Cubs took a 4-3 lead into the ninth inning, but Carlos Beltran hit his 30th home run of the season to tie the game at 4 and send it to extras. Matt Carpenter would walk in the 10th for the Cards, advance to second when Bryan Anderson walked as well, and score the winner when Jay doubled him home.
Adam Wainwright went seven innings for St. Louis, allowing four runs on six hits while striking out five. Travis Wood threw five innings for the Cubs, striking out seven while allowing two earned runs. Neither pitcher was involved in the decision.
Mitchell Boggs got the win for the Cardinals, while Jaye Chapman took the loss for Chicago. Jason Motte recorded his 39th save of the season when he struck out the side in the bottom of the 10th.
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