Cardinals Beat Cubs In Series Opener

“Bud” Smith won his third straight decision with seven innings of five hit ball as the St. Louis Cardinals took care of the Chicago Cubs 3-1 today in the opener of their four game series. Mark McGwire went deep twice in the win, both solo shots, upping his career total to 570. Albert Pujols snapped a 1-1 tie in the 6th with an RBI double. With the win, the Cardinals move to within 7 1/2 games of first place in the National League Central.