Cardinals blank Cubs 5-0 to open series

Michael McGreevy tossed six scoreless innings, Jordan Walker homered and drove in a pair of runs and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago Cubs 5-0 Friday night.

McGreevy (4-2) allowed six hits and a walk, and Matt Svanson, JoJo Romero and Riley O’Brien pitched the final three shutout innings in relief.

Matthew Boyd (11-5) allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out three in five innings for the Cubs, who have lost four of their last six games.

Walker hit his fourth home run of the season off Ryan Brasier in the sixth inning to put the Cardinals ahead 4-0. It was Walker’s first homer since May 17 at Kansas City.

Former All-Star catcher Yadier Molina was in uniform and in the Cardinals’ dugout as a temporary coach.

Cubs RHP Colin Rea (8-5, 4.23 ERA) will face Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante (6-8, 4.57) Saturday night.


(AP Photo Jeff Roberson)