With just six hits over the course of two days, the St. Louis Cardinals have seen an eight game winning streak turn into a two game losing streak. After losing to the Philadelphia Phillies last night in extra innings, the Redbirds lose the first of a three game weekend set this afternoon in Chicago to the Cubs 5-0.
This marks the first time that the Cardinals have been shut out in back to back games in nearly 15 years. The last time it happened was on September 24th and 25th in 1995.
The St. Louis offense was once again ineffective as they were only able to get one runner in scoring position with less than two out. They would only have three other base runners in scoring position with two outs in the game.
Cardinal starter Jeff Suppan once again failed to pick up his first win of the season. He would give up 10 hits and five runs over his six innings of work. Three of the earned runs would come from Cub home runs.
The trade rumors continue to swirl around the Cardinals and the Houston Astros. Sources on both sides are saying that the Redbirds may be willing to trade Brendan Ryan and Jon Jay to Houston for pitcher Roy Oswalt. However, Philadelphia is also in the mix for the Houston pitcher. The trade deadline is July 31st.
St. Louis will try to wake up the bats and also try to stop the losing streak at three games when they play game two of the series tomorrow afternoon at Wrigley Field. Blake Hawksworth will go for his fifth win of the season while Chicago will counter with Tom Gorzelanny.
First pitch will be tomorrow afternoon at 12:05.