Cubs power past Cardinals 8-0

Ian Happ hit a leadoff home run and drove in three, Matthew Boyd gave up three hits in six scoreless innings and the Chicago Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-0 on Wednesday night.

Happ has hit nine of his 12 homers this season in a 19-game stretch since June 5.

Reese McGuire and Kyle Tucker also homered for the Cubs, who snapped a three-game losing streak.

The Cubs are the only team in the National League and one of three major league teams along with the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros who have not had a four-game losing streak this season.

Boyd (7-3), who struck out three and did not issue a walk, has allowed two or fewer runs in each of his last six starts.

Ryan Brasier, Michael Fulmer and Porter Hodge combined to toss three scoreless innings of relief to close out the Cubs’ seventh shutout of the season.

Erick Fedde (3-7) allowed a season high-tying seven runs on eight hits and three walks in 3 2/3 innings for the Cardinals.

To wrap up the four-game series Thursday, the Cubs will activate LHP Shota Imanaga (3-2, 2.82 ERA) off the injured list to make his first start since May 4. The Cardinals will counter with RHP Andre Pallante (5-3, 4.48).



(AP Photo Jeff Roberson)