3 Cardinal homers sink Cubs 6-5

Nelson Velázquez hit a three-run homer and Iván Herrera and Thomas Saggese added solo shots, powering the St. Louis Cardinals to a 6-5 win over the Chicago Cubs in the first meeting of the season between the teams Friday night.

Promoted from Triple-A Memphis before the game, Velázquez hit the first pitch he saw over the left field fence to tie the game 3-3.

St. Louis snapped a four-game losing streak. The Cubs entered the game winning their last two after losing their previous 10 games.

Gordon Graceffo (4-1) picked up the win with a spotless inning in relief.

Riley O’Brien, the sixth reliever used, earned his 14th save. 

Shota Imanaga (4-6) worked 5 1/3 inning and allowed five runs and five hits.

Happ gave the Cubs a 3-0 when he hit a two-out homer off starter Andre Pallante, who pitched three innings. It was the third consecutive game Happ has hit a homer.

Cubs RHP Ben Brown (1-2, 2.01) goes against Cardinals RHP Kyle Leahy (5-3, 4.44) on Saturday .


(AP Photo Scott Kane)