The Cardinals five-game winning streak came to an end on Wednesday night with a 3-1 loss to the Cubs at Busch Stadium. An 82-minute rain delay forced the game to start late, but Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano worked quickly, holding the Cardinals to just five hits. Zambrano lasted 8 2/3 innings to get the win.
St. Louis’ only run came in the sixth inning when Albert Pujols launched a solo home run to make it 3-1. It was his fourth homer of the season. With two outs and no one on in the ninth inning, Scott Rolen doubled and Zambrano was replaced because of a blister on his index finger. LaTroy Hawkins came in and on his second pitch, he got John Mabry to fly out to center to end the game. Cubs shortstop Nomar Garciaparra also left the game with a groin injury.
Cardinal starter Jeff Suppan lasted 6 1/3 innings and gave up two runs off nine hits and three walks to get the loss.
The Cardinals and Cubs finish their two-game series with a 12:10 start Thursday afternoon at Busch. Chris Carpenter faces Ryan Dempster.
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