Cubs Win 9th of 10, Cardinals Fall to Giants

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs have their eyes fixed on their first championship since 1908 so John Lackey isn't about to get too excited about their record, even if it is the best in the majors.

The veteran right-hander struck out nine while pitching into the seventh inning and the Cubs pulled away late to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-0 Friday for their ninth win in 10 games.

Lackey (6-2) combined with three relievers on Chicago's sixth shutout, scattering five hits over 6 2/3 innings.

And the Cubs improved to 38-15.

"It's too early to talk about surreal," Lackey said. "We have high goals. We have a long way to go before we can reach that."

Anthony Rizzo drove in the game's first run with a two-out double in the sixth off Archie Bradley (2-1) that center fielder Chris Owings misjudged.

The Cubs then scored five times with two outs in the eighth. Addison Russell and Javier Baez each hit two-run doubles against Silvino Bracho.

Chicago improved to 7-1 on its 10-game homestand, while Diamondbacks lost for the eighth time in 11 games.

Bradley gave up one run and four hits over six innings. The 23-year-old righty struck out 10, eclipsing his previous career high of nine in Sunday's win over San Diego, before the Cubs broke the game open against the bullpen.

"Our relief pitching was alarming," manager Chip Hale said. "That's frustrating. We'll address that tomorrow."

Chicago continued to roll along after taking three of four from the Dodgers.

Lackey kept Arizona off balance for most of the afternoon before exiting to a loud ovation in the seventh with runners on first and second after Yasmany Tomas singled. Adam Warren retired Nick Ahmed on a groundout to end the inning.

Pedro Strop pitched a perfect eighth, and Justin Grimm worked the ninth to complete Chicago's second shutout in five games. The other came when the bullpen pitched seven perfect innings against Los Angeles after Jason Hammel exited with cramping in his right hamstring.

ST. LOUIS -- A couple of times, Johnny Cueto said it just was not his day. Try telling that to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The right-hander worked around a season-worst five walks and back soreness to post his ninth win, tying for the major league lead, in the San Francisco Giants' 5-1 victory on Friday night.

"That's a nice job against this club," manager Bruce Bochy said. "I felt he really pitched well."

The last two starts, both lasting six innings coming off consecutive complete games, Cueto's back has bothered him a bit. Bochy thought the pitcher felt it grab once when he stepped off the mound, and Cueto will get two extra days' rest before his next outing because of a couple days off for the team.

The right-hander said through an interpreter he felt "100 percent healthy," but added "I like what they're doing. If it was up to me I would pitch every five days but I'll go with what the manager decides."

Cueto (9-1) allowed a run and four hits in six innings with one strikeout. He hadn't walked more than two in any of his first 11 starts for his new team.

Cueto is among four nine-game winners, joining Stephen Strasburg, Jake Arrieta and Chris Sale. Six of Cueto's victories have come on the road.

Five Giants relievers combined to give up just one hit and the lineup made the most out of eight singles.

Adam Wainwright (5-4) allowed two runs in seven innings. The Cardinals were held to one run for the second straight game.