Chicago Cubs Swept by St. Louis Cardinals Despite Stroman's Gem

The St. Louis Cardinals completed their three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs despite the best efforts of Marcus Stroman.

The Chicago Cubs were swept and shut out for the second time in their three-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals, ending the season series against St. Louis. 

The main story came in the eighth inning when 42-year-old Albert Pujols pinch-hit in a scoreless game and launched his 695th career home run off of Brandon Hughes to give the Cardinals a 2-0 lead.

That lead would ultimately hold as the Cubs were shut down by St. Louis closer Ryan Helsley, a theme for the offense the entire game. The Cubs managed just two hits, a Franmil Reyes double in the first, and a Christopher Morel single in the sixth. Cardinals starter Miles Mikolas pitched eight dominant innings and did not allow a runner past second base. 

Despite the offensive woes, Chicago was still in the game the entire way thanks to the efforts of starter Marcus Stroman. This was the righty's fourth start of the year against St. Louis, but it was by far his best. He tossed seven shutout innings with no walks, four hits, and five strikeouts. 

Stroman also kept the ball on the ground on 50% of balls put in play and lowered his ERA to 3.73 on the season. Though there weren't many positives to take away from this game for Chicago, the 31-year-old continuing his resurgent second half is certainly a cause for optimism going forward.

The Cubs will have Labor Day off before facing the Cincinnati Reds at 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. Chicago will send Wade Miley to the bump for his first major league start since June 10 against Reds starter Justin Dunn. Miley has been out with a shoulder strain and has made just four starts this season. 

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