Kyle Hendricks delivered an excellent start in a key Chicago Cubs win, while the Toronto Blue Jays produced a huge offensive inning in MLB.

Hendricks conceded just one run and seven hits in eight innings as the Cubs beat the St Louis Cardinals 5-1 on Monday.

Willson Contreras had two RBIs, while Anthony Rizzo and Jason Kipnis had one each for the Cubs.

The Cubs improved to 24-18 and pulled 2.5 games clear of the Cardinals (17-16) in the National League (NL) Central after losing the five-game series.

The Blue Jays produced an incredible 10-run sixth inning in a 12-7 win over the New York Yankees.

The inning was highlighted by a grand slam from Danny Jansen as Toronto improved to 23-18.

Danny Jansen puts an exclamation point on a 10-RUN inning for the @BlueJays. pic.twitter.com/6kToZ0u7pX

— MLB (@MLB) September 8, 2020

Super Scherzer, Plesac lifts Indians

Max Scherzer struck out eight and did not concede a run as the Washington Nationals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1.

Max Scherzer is the only SP in @MLB history to record 8 straight seasons with a K/9 rate above 10.0.

His K/9 this season is 12.34.#Scherzday // #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/VdnD5nHCTD

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) September 8, 2020

Cleveland Indians pitcher Zach Plesac got through seven innings, giving up seven hits and a run in a 5-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Making his first start of the season, Jose Urena pitched five innings, giving up four hits and three runs in the Miami Marlins' 5-4 win against the Atlanta Braves. Urena reportedly tested positive for coronavirus in July.

Jean Segura went four-for-five with five RBIs as the Philadelphia Phillies edged the New York Mets 9-8.

 

Allard's woes continue

Texas Rangers pitcher Kolby Allard is now 0-5 this season. He gave up five hits, eight runs and two home runs in an 8-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners.

 

Monday's results

Philadelphia Phillies 9-8 New York Mets
Miami Marlins 5-4 Atlanta Braves
Minnesota Twins 6-2 Detroit Tigers
Chicago Cubs 5-1 St Louis Cardinals
Seattle Mariners 8-4 Texas Rangers
Washington Nationals 6-1 Tampa Bay Rays
Cleveland Indians 5-2 Kansas City Royals
Toronto Blue Jays 12-7 New York Yankees
San Francisco Giants 4-2 Arizona Diamondbacks
Oakland Athletics 6-0 Houston Astros
San Diego Padres 1-0 Colorado Rockies

 

Twins at Cardinals

Randy Dobnak (6-2, 2.72 ERA) is enjoying a fine season and lines up for the Minnesota Twins (26-17) against Daniel Ponce de Leon (0-3, 7.82 ERA) and the Cardinals on Tuesday.