Cardinals inch closer to top of NL Central with win over Cubs

Nootbar now has 10 home runs on the year and is only four away from matching his single-season high. 

Then, second baseman Brendan Donovan hit one over the fence himself for his only hit of the game. Alec Burleson would follow with a home run of his own before the end of the fifth inning.

Last but not least, designated hitter Nolan Gorman hit one of his own in the sixth to pour more salt in the Cubs' wounds. 

Despite a 27-homer season under his belt in 2023, Gorman has only connected on five through 50 games played so far this season.

Ironically, starter Matthew Liberatore and the Cardinals' bullpen didn't need all the offense. Liberatore pitched seven full innings, allowing only two runs off six hits and striking out five batters. He earned his fifth win and evened his June record to 2-2 in the month. 

Riley O'Brien and Roddery Munoz shut the door on Chicago in relief, giving up just one hit and no runs combined. 

St. Louis (43-36), 3.5 games behind Chicago in the division, will now pivot from one statement win to capturing the series, with three more left in this four-game set spanning Tuesday through Thursday.