CHICAGO (AP) — Luis Valbuena hit a decisive two-run homer in the seventh inning Friday, and the Chicago Cubs overcame a three-run deficit to hand the St. Louis Cardinals the fourth straight loss, 7-6. The teams combined for five home runs and 23 hits with a persistent wind at their backs. The Cardinals tied the score 5-5 on solo homers by Matt Carpenter and Matt Holliday in the fifth inning. Pinch-hitter Oscar Taveras singled to break the tie in the sixth, but the lead was short-lived.

Kevin Siegrist (1-2) hit Anthony Rizzo with a full-count pitch to lead off the seventh. One batter later, Valbuena sent hit a first-pitch homer into the bleachers in center field. Justin Grimm (3-2) pitched a scoreless inning for the win. Hector Rondon retired the side in the ninth for his 12th save in 15 chances.