WATCH: Willson Contreras caps off hard-fought at-bat with go-ahead base knock

Willson Contreras came up clutch with a two-out base hit that put the Cubs up 2-0 over the Cardinals. (Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports)

Cole Little · Senior Writer · Friday, September 04 2020

CHICAGO — Winning a battle with St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras capped off a nine-pitch at-bat with a clutch two-run single to center field on Friday. After fouling off four pitches in a row, Contreras smacked a two-out base knock, scoring Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo.

The Cubs took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first at Wrigley Field, forcing Flaherty to throw a whopping 43 pitches out of the gate. Contreras now has 15 RBIs on the season. Bryant doubled, and Rizzo and Jason Heyward walked. Following Contreras' go-ahead single, Victor Caratini grounded out with runners on the corners to end the lengthy half-inning.

Huge two-out knock from @WContreras40! pic.twitter.com/yhDB0SB9dV
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 5, 2020

Grinding AB's ??

Willson comes through as Cubs force Flaherty to throw 43 1st inning pitches. pic.twitter.com/oY1zPo0m6c
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) September 5, 2020