Mitchell Boggs took one on the chin for the Cardinals to save the bullpen as the Mets beat the Cardinals 11-1 thanks in part to a six run third inning.  Boggs suffered his first loss in the majors while his ERA jumped from 4.37 to 6.59.

The Cardinals split their four-game series with New York, and now host the Cubs, who come into St. Louis with a 2 1/2 game lead in the National League Central Division.

Rather than pull Boggs after a forgettable third inning , La Russa left the pitcher in to save the bullpen.  The Cardinals faced Mike Pelfrey, and he was dominant as he dominated the Cardinals’ lineup from top to bottom. Through his seven innings, Pelfrey scattered six hits and gave up one run, which came long after the game was decided.