Matt Carpenter powers St. Louis Cardinals past Chicago Cubs

Matt Carpenter and the St. Louis Cardinals scored just enough runs as they defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 at Busch Stadium on Sunday in a game that was delayed 46 minutes by rain.

Apr 13, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Matt Carpenter (13) hits a two run single against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium. Image Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports

Carpenter had a 1-for-four day at the plate by drove in three RBIs.

In the bottom of the 2nd inning, Carpenter hit a two-out single on a grounder to center that drove in Allen Craig and Jhonny Peralta. With Kolten Wong batting, Carpenter stole second and would score on Wong’s single to right. This gave the Cards a 3-2 lead. It was a lead that would be brief but the Cards took the lead in the fourth inning for good on a sac fly to left from Carpenter, scoring Peter Bourjos.

The Cards got busy in the 8th inning when Yadier Molina and Craig reached on line drives to right field. A Peralta double scored Molina. Craig scored when Bourjos reached on an error.

Michael Wacha made a few mistakes early but he settled in. The 2013 NLCS MVP allowed three runs on five hits, including a two-run homer in the first inning, in 6 1/3 innings pitched. He walked one and struck out eight.

Before the game, both Molina and Adam Wainwright were presented with their 2013 Rawlings Gold Glove Awards.