Cards Win on a Skip-Off Homer

In the bottom of the eleventh inning, with the score tied at three, Cardinal outfielder Skip Schumaker went deep with a runner on third to win it.  Although it was the first meeting of the season between the Cubs and Cards, the game had a late season pennant race feel to it throughout.

Adam Wainwright got the start for the Redbirds, and pitched brilliantly. Because of his extended pitch count in his last appearance, Wainwright got the early hook after giving up a hit after 85 pitches in 6 1/3, but still leading by a pair.

With only three outs to go, closer Jason Isringhausen gave up a game tying home run to Alfonso Soriano, who made up for his earlier misplays in left field.

Other notables:

• Kyle McClellan continues to dominate in high pressure situations.
• Troy Glaus went a dreadful 0 for 5 with 2 Ks and 4 LOB.
• Ron Villone earned the win with 2.1 scoreless innings.
• Isringhausen now has more blown saves (3) than he did in all of ’07.
• Cubs suck.

So the Cardinals start off the second month just as hot as they did in the first.  19-11 is good for the second best record in baseball.  5-3 was tonight’s final.  Here’s the full recap and box score.

Bears and Birds game two tomorrow afternoon.  It’ll be Kyle Lohse against Ted Lilly. Don’t forget to check in on the latest UCB project.