MLB wrap: Cardinals take over the National League Central lead for first time since May

Alexis Mansanarez

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MLB wrap: Cardinals take over the National League Central lead for first time since May image

The Cardinals took over the National League Central on Friday by virtue of a win over the Astros and the Cubs' 4-3 loss to the Brewers.

It's the first time St. Louis has been in control of the division since May 6 and it came in the Cardinals' sixth straight win.

Paul Goldschmidt highlighted the Cardinals' efforts after hitting his fifth home run in as many days. They were trailing the Astros, 3-2, until Goldschmidt's three-run homer put the Cardinals ahead for good.

Matt Wieters also hit a home run and Kolten Wong had an RBI single earlier in the game to score Goldschmidt.

Houston scored twice in the fourth inning and brought in one more run in the eighth but then the Astros were shut down in the final frame. They moved to 66-39 with the loss, which was given to Ryan Pressly.

Andrew Miller was given the win and Carlos Martinez earned the save. 

Studs of the Night

Nelson Cruz is on fire. He homered for the seventh time in his last five games during the Twins' 6-2 win over the White Sox.

Zack Wheeler made his first appearance since July 7 after suffering right shoulder fatigue. He struck out seven over 5 1/3 innings in the Mets' 6-3 win over the Pirates.

Mookie Betts hit three home runs against James Paxton during the first four innings of the Red Sox's 10-5 win over the Yankees.

Duds of the Night

Reds right-handed pitcher Luis Castillo had a tough outing against the Rockies. He gave up eight hits and six earned runs in five innings of work during the 12-2 loss.

It was a low-run night for both the Rays and Blue Jays but Toronto really struggled to get things going as five batters came up empty, including Cavan Biggio and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. who were both 0 for 4. Tampa Bay won 3-1.

Highlights

Two highlights in one? We'll take it if Alex Verdugo keeps making plays like these for the Dodgers.

Indians pitcher, yes pitcher, Zach Plesac beat everyone to the ball and quite literally did go all out for the out.

What's Next?

Yankees (66-37) at Red Sox (58-47), 4:05 p.m. ET  — In the last two matchups, the Red Sox have obliterated the Yankees. New York will try to get one back when it starts CC Sabathia (5-5, 4.50 ERA) on Saturday. Boston will counter with Eduardo Rodríguez (12-4, 4.10).

 

Alexis Mansanarez