CHICAGO (AP) — David Bote hit a three-run homer in Chicago’s four-run sixth inning, and the Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 for a doubleheader split. With two outs and runners on the corners, Bote put Chicago ahead to stay with a massive drive to center field off Tyler Webb for his second career pinch-hit homer. Bote belted a game-ending grand slam for his first pinch-hit shot in a 4-3 win against Washington on Aug. 12, 2018.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Nelson Cruz continued his climb up the all-time leaderboard with two home runs and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 4-1. Devin Smeltzer (2-0) picked up the win in relief of opener Matt Wisler for Minnesota. Cruz tied Mark Teixeira for 55th on the all-time home run list. Rookie Kris Bubic (0-3) surrendered two runs on four hits and four walks in 4 1/3 innings for the Royals. Hunter Dozier homered in the ninth inning to end Minnesota’s shutout bid.

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cincinnati Reds scheduled a flight to Kansas City early Tuesday for a two-game series against the Royals that was put in doubt after a Reds player tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. Players, coaches and other organization members were retested over the weekend. The final two games of a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park were postponed. Monday was a scheduled day off. The Reds made travel plans for Kansas City and expected to start Luis Castillo in the series opener Tuesday night, assuming it’s played.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Taco Charlton has been a bust on two different teams. Tanoh Kpassagnon was considered the same for a while as he moved between linebacker and defensive end. Breeland Speaks is still trying to live up to expectations as a second-round pick after injuries scrapped his second season in the league. Yet those three could provide the depth that turns the Kansas City Chiefs defensive line into one of the best in the NFL this season.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The National Association of Basketball Coaches is creating a coalition of players to provide feedback on a variety of issues in the latest example of student-athletes gaining a greater voice both on and off the court. NABC executive director Craig Robinson says the coalition will meet quarterly and address the organization’s board of directors and NCAA committees. The coalition also will provide coaches and other NABC members with their own experiences in professional and personal development opportunities.

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Ryan O’Reilly had two goals and an assist as the St. Louis Blues beat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 to even in their first-round playoff series. Alex Pietrangelo also scored for the Blues and added an assist. Jake Allen made 22 saves. J.T. Miller scored for the Canucks, and Jacob Markstrom stopped 34 shots. Game 5 is Wednesday. O’Reilly gave the Blues a 2-1 lead at 6:52 of the second as he took a pass out of the corner from David Perron, walked out in front of the net and flicked a backhander into the top corner for the second two-goal playoff game of his career. Pietrangelo fired shot that hit Edler’s stick and went in with 4:13 to go in the middle period.