CHICAGO -- The Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0 on Wednesday afternoon to even their record at 1-1 on the season.

How it happened: The Cubs broke a scoreless tie with a two-run seventh as Starlin Castro drove in Anthony Rizzo after Rizzo was plunked by a pitch. A sacrifice bunt by Chris Coghlan moved Castro to third, then a sacrifice fly by Miguel Montero brought the second run home.

Both starting pitchers had it going, making it a tough day to hit. Jake Arrieta lasted seven innings, giving up three hits and three walks. He got out of two two-out jams but mostly sailed through his outing while striking out seven. Lance Lynn was even better -- until the seventh -- striking out nine while giving up just two hits. Four relievers helped finish the job for the Cubs, with Hector Rondon earning the save.

What it means: Arrieta probably wasn’t at his best but pitched a clean game after walking two in the first inning. That’s how good he’s becoming. There was very little hard contact against him all day. The Cubs broke a streak (0-for-15) of poor hitting with runners in scoring position when Castro drove home Rizzo with their first run of the season, then followed that up with some small ball. It might be about the only way to score in these colder conditions with the wind blowing in. The Cubs played a solid game after struggling on offense early in the contest.

Maddon challenge: Joe Maddon lost his first video-replay challenge when Matt Szczur was called out on a close play at first after a bunt attempt in the eighth. The review lasted 45 seconds.

Cubs sign Russell: The Cubs signed left-handed pitcher James Russell to a minor league deal on Wednesday after he was released by the Atlanta Braves last week. Russell, 29, pitched for the Cubs from 2010 to 2014 before being traded to the Braves last year. General manager Jed Hoyer said Russell will report to Triple-A Iowa this weekend. Phil Coke currently is the only lefty in the bullpen.

Days off: Before the game, Maddon said the extra day off on Tuesday thanks to inclement weather didn't benefit his team.

“Not at this time of the year,” Maddon said. “We were playing really well that last week or 10 days [of spring training] there. It’s a concern that if you have too much time off early, it can be a negative. They [the players] need to get back into a routine.”

Some thought Tuesday’s game could have been played despite cold temperatures but little rain.

“Coming out of the hotel last night, it was almost as bad as the World Series in 2008,” Maddon said. “It was really not conducive to baseball. Everyone wants it to be pouring not to play baseball. It’s tough when it gets that cold. You’re looking for a major league-type performance out of your guys, but sometimes it gets hard to be that when the weather is that severe.”

The Cubs say the postponement had nothing to do with any stadium issues.

Wrigley renovation: As promised by the team, there were extra portable toilets in place on Wednesday, but the crowd was half of what it was for Sunday’s opening game. The Cubs don’t anticipate any more bathroom problems, especially with lighter attendance expected until the weather changes. Maddon isn’t letting the construction issues get to him.

“Temporary inconvenience, permanent improvement,” he stated. “I just feel honored [to work at Wrigley]. Looking down the road, it’s going to be spectacular.”

Maddon was asked whether any of his family or friends had issues with the long lines to use the restroom on Sunday.

“There was a slight issue with purchasing a hot dog and its proximity to something that looked like beer,” Maddon said smiling.

What’s next: The Cubs get another day off on Thursday before opening a series in Colorado on Friday. Travis Wood faces Tyler Matzek in Game 1.