For the second straight game, the Cardinals couldn’t get the job done in nine innings. Unlike the first time, they couldn’t get the job done at all. Todd Walker’s RBI grounder in the 14th inning ended the marathon and gave the Cubs a 5-4 win over the Cardinals.
The largest crowd to convene at the new Busch Stadium watched as St. Louis gave away a game it seemingly had in its grasps.
Scott Rolen gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead with a two-run double in the seventh. St. Louis added another run in the eighth. But it was Rolen who went from hero to goat in the span of two innings. It was his error in the ninth that allowed two runs to score for the Cubs and send the game into extra innings.
Juan Pierre led off the 14th with a double and later reached third with one out. The Cardinals intentionally walked Michael Barrett to set up the double play. The next batter was Walker and he put the Cubs in front scoring Pierre on a groundout to first.
The Cardinals had their chance to end the game in their favor. They loaded the bases twice in extra innings. Both times, Chicago pitchers got David Eckstein to end the threat without allowing a run to score.
Sidney Ponson started things off on the mound for St. Louis. He lasted six innings giving up two runs on nine hits and striking out two. Eight pitchers entered the game for the Cardinals. The eighth and final pitcher, Josh Hancock, took the loss.
