Jake Arrieta pitched eight strong innings for his 19th win, the most in the major leagues, and Starlin Castro homered to lead the Chicago Cubs past the host Philadelphia Phillies, 5-1, in the first game of a doubleheader Friday night.
Addison Russell hit a two-run double and Kris Bryant set a club record for rookies with his 87th R.B.I. for Chicago, which entered play nine games ahead of San Francisco for the second National League wild-card spot. The Cubs have won six of their last seven.
Aaron Altherr homered for Philadelphia, which has lost 13 of 17.