Goldschmidt walk-off hit, O'Neill 2 HRs as Cards beat Cubs

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt hit a walk-off RBI single in the ninth inning, and the playoff-bound St. Louis Cardinals won for the 19th time in their last 20 games, 4-3 over the Chicago Cubs on Friday night.

Tyler O'Neill homered twice and threw out the potential go-ahead run in the ninth inning for the Cardinals, who will play either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the San Francisco Giants in the NL wild-card game.

Dakota Hudson made his first start for the Cardinals in more than a year, allowing three hits in five scoreless innings. Hudson is returning from Tommy John surgery and worked in relief in his season debut on Sept. 24.

Andrew Knizner singled with one out in the ninth off Tommy Nance (1-1), and pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa also singled. Tommy Edman grounded out before Goldschmidt greeted Rowan Wick with a sharp single to left field that easily scored Knizner.

With the score tied 3-3, pinch-hitter Willson Contreras led off the ninth for the Cubs with a double off Giovanny Gallegos (6-5). Rafael Ortega singled to left with one out, but O'Neill's throw home was on target and catcher Knizner tagged out Contreras.

Cory Abbott made his first career start for the Cubs, allowing two runs — both on homers by O'Neill — and one other hit in five innings.

O'Neill has 34 homers this season, including five in his last five games against the Cubs. It was his fourth career multi-homer game.

Trayce Thompson hit a three-run homer with two outs in the sixth against T.J. McFarland to put the Cubs ahead 3-2. Genesis Cabrera began the inning on the mound but was pulled for precautionary reasons with left middle finger discomfort after walking consecutive batters.

Lars Nootbaar tied it in the bottom of the sixth with a single that scored O'Neill.

ONE MORE YEAR

St. Louis announced...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Goldschmidt-walk-off-hit-O-Neill-2-HRs-as-Cards-16503960.php