The Cardinals wrapped up a four-game series with the Pirates yesterday with a 4-3 win in Pittsburgh. Later in the afternoon, the Cubs topped the Astros 7-1 to put St. Louis and Houston in a two-way tie for first in the National League Central, with Chicago just a half-game back. Albert Pujols singled in the first inning to keep his hitting streak alive at 28 games. Later in the inning Scott Rolen drove him in to make it 1-0. Bo Hart, Garrett Stephenson and Tino Martinez also drove in runs. Martinez hit his 12th homer of the year to make it 4-1 in the sixth inning. Stephenson lasted eight innings, allowing one run off five hits and got his second straight win; he’s 7-11 on the season. Jason Isringhausen allowed two runs in the bottom of the ninth, but worked out of the jam to earn his 13th save. Albert Pujols will plead his case in a scuffle he had with the Padres on July 12th. He was initially suspended two games, but hasn’t served it yet. The Redbirds begin a three-game series in Philadelphia tonight.
Royals Gain Ground On Day Off
The Royals enjoyed a day off at home yesterday and while they relaxed, they extended their lead in the American League Central. The White Sox fell to the Angels 5-1 and the White Sox dropped an 8-3 decision to the Indians. The two losses moved Kansas City two games ahead of Chicago and four games in front of Minnesota. The Royals open up a three-game series at home against the Twins tonight at Kauffman. Kansas City has a record of 8-4 against Minnesota this season.
Gutshewski Has Lead At Charity Classic
At the PGA Nationwide Tour’s Charity Championship in Springfield, Scott Gutshewski of Omaha, Nebraska took the first-round lead by shooting a nine-under par 63. Sean Murphy of Scottsdale, Arizona was a stroke back at eight-under. Joe Ogilvie and Guy Boros both need one more win on the Nationwide Tour to earn their PGA cards. Ogilvi shot a 65 and Boros checked in at 69. Former Missouri Amateur champ Jason Schultz of Columbia is at shot a 67, Stan Utley of Columbia and Michael Letzig of Richmond shot 71. James Farrell of Kansas City has finished with 80 and Ty Myers of Branson had the high score of the day with an 82.
Lawsuit Filed In School Funding Case
Three Kansas City area school districts – Liberty, Lee’s Summit, and Fort Osage – have filed a lawsuit questioning the authority of the State to withhold money that had previously been appropriated for public schools. Governor Bob Holden blames the Legislature for the predicament. He says he’ll being lawmakers back into special session next month to consider adding money to public education.
St. Louis Police Take On Car Theft Problem
St. Louis police have announced two new programs to attack a growing problem there: car theft. The Department will use decoy vehicles and high-technology that can shut down cars after they are stolen. A special task force will also be charged with cracking down on car-jacking and purse snatching. Car thefts are up 25-percent in St. Louis.
