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Cardinals Dominate Cubs in Series Opener as NL Central Race Tightens

St. Louis secured an 8-2 win through standout outings by Alec Burleson, Lars Nootbaar, Nolan Gorman, narrowing Chicago’s division lead to 3.5 games.

Jun 23, 2025; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals right fielder Alec Burleson (41) is congratulated after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • The Cardinals’ offense combined for eight runs on six hits in game one and cut the CubsNL Central advantage from 4.5 to 3.5 games.
  • Alec Burleson has hit .349 with four homers and 14 RBIs over his last 22 games, while Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman each delivered key extra-base hits in the opener.
  • Cubs bats were held to two runs and one home run as St. Louis pitching limited Chicago’s lineup, and the club will counter Tuesday with Jameson Taillon (7-4, 3.84 ERA) against Erick Fedde (3-6, 3.54 ERA).
  • Chicago is 25-7 this season in games with at least two home runs and has leaned on Pete Crow-Armstrong, who leads the team with 21 long balls.
  • Ivan Herrera’s hamstring strain landed him on the 10-day injured list and removes a .320/.392/.533 hitter from the Cardinals’ lineup after 42 games.