The Chicago Cubs struck early to build a big lead, weathered a five-run fifth inning by the Cardinals, and took the first game of the series from St. Louis, 9-5.
Related: First Pitch Thread: Cubs vs. Cardinals, Friday 4/13, 2:15 CT
The Cubs got to Adam Wainwright right from the start and scored four runs in the first inning; Ian Stewart's three-run home run was the big play of the frame. They added four more runs in the third inning thanks to a Bryan LaHair grand slam, and Wainwright's day was over after he finished out that inning.
Chicago starter Jeff Samardzija was very good until that rocky fifth inning, where things began to get away from him. Despite 10 hits and five runs allowed, though, he picked up the win.
Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro had multi-hit days for the Cubs, who have now won two in a row.
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