Yadier Molina had three of St. Louis’ four hits, including a two-run single, and the Cardinals held off the fading Chicago Cubs 2-1 on Friday.
Carlos Martinez got the final two outs a day after a brutal blown save, and the Cardinals stretched their NL Central lead to 3 games over Milwaukee and five games over Chicago. The Cubs are 2 games behind the Brewers for the second NL wild card.
Today Cardinals RHP Dakota Hudson (16-7, 3.35) takes the mound against Cubs LHP Jose Quintana (13-8, 3.35)