Cards hit 4 homers to win series opener with Cubs 8-2

Alec Burleson and Brendan Donovan each hit two-run homers in the fifth inning, Matthew Liberatore pitched seven strong innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 8-2 on Monday night.

Lars Nootbaar and Nolan Gorman also homered as the Cardinals hit a season-best four home runs for the first time since April 30 at Cincinnati.

Liberatore (5-6) allowed two runs on six hits and struck out five for the Cardinals, who have won six of their last seven games.

Ben Brown (4-6) allowed eight runs on nine hits in five innings for the Cubs, who have lost four of their last five.

Michael Fulmer tossed two scoreless innings in relief of Brown after having his contract purchased from Triple-A Iowa prior to the game.

Contreras had three hits against his former team, and is now 22 for 63 (.349) with six doubles and a homer against the Cubs since signing with St. Louis as a free agent ahead of the 2023 season.

Cubs RHP Jameson Taillon (7-4, 3.84 ERA) is scheduled to face Cardinals RHP Michael McGreevy (1-1, 2.70) who will be recalled from Triple-A Memphis.


(AP Photo Jeff Roberson)