Friday afternoon featured some early MLB action including a Chicago Cubs game as they hosted the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubbies got four RBIs combined from Kris Bryant and Ian Happ and a seven-run sixth inning. Ultimately, the home team took the game 8-2 in Chicago to continue their division lead. Here's the latest Cardinals vs. Cubs game recap including today's top performers, stats, and what's up next for each of these MLB squads.

MLB game recap

In today's game, the St. Louis Cardinals jumped out to a 1-0 lead after just the first inning. That lead came courtesy of a 426-foot home run blast from left fielder Tommy Pham.

In the fourth inning, Kris Bryant answered with a 400-foot shot of his own to tie the game for the Chicago Cubs. Pitcher Carlos Martinez put the Cards back ahead in the fifth inning when he drove a single to right center to score Koiten Wong. That made it 2-1 in favor of St. Louis.

However, the Chicago Cubs were far from done. In the bottom of the sixth inning, they erupted for seven runs. That included a barrage of singles from Alex Avila, Jay, Happ, Ben Zobrist, and Bryant. Three runs were scored off pitcher Carlos Martinez who was soon relieved by Bowman. However, Bowman gave up four more runs, requiring Duke replace him. From then on, neither team scored, and the Cubs held on for the 8-2 victory.

In today's game, Kris Bryant went 3-for-4 to get his two RBIs and also scored two runs. His home run in the fourth was also his 27th of the season. Jon Jay was 2-for-4 with an RBI and run scored in the game.

Picking up the win for the pitching staff today was Carl Edwards Jr. who moves to 4-4 for the season. Edwards Jr. John Lackey had the start and struck out four, but gave up two runs in the Cardinals' early lead.

Taking the loss was Carlos Martinez. He went 5.1 innings, striking out five, but gave up six hits and seven runs to the Cubs.

What's next?

The Chicago Cubs are now 81-66 for their season with a 44-32 mark at Wrigley Field. The team is leading the National League Central division by 3.5 games over the Milwaukee Brewers. They'll host the Cards again on Saturday with game time slated for 4:05 p.m.

Eastern Time. Carlos Carrasco will be on the mound.

For the St. Louis Cardinals, today's loss drops them to a 77-70 overall record and 35-38 on the road. They're four games back from the Cubs for the division lead. On Saturday, they get another crack at the division leaders with a 4:05 p.m. ET game at Wrigley Field. Jason Hammel gets the start.
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