The Cardinals started this finale series against the Cubs walking a tightrope in the standings, with only the wild card to catch them if they fall.
The Cardinals' rookie sinkerballer, making his second start against the Chicago Cubs in a week, walked the bases loaded in the third inning and saw his pitch count bloat. The scoreboard took no notice, however. Hudson walked the first three batters in the Cubs lineup to load the bases with two outs. That brought cleanup hitter Willson Contreras to the plate.
Kolten Wong's sub at No.