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With six teams in its ranks, the National League Central is the biggest division in baseball. At the top, it is also the most competitive with the Cubs currently holding off both the Brewers and Cardinals. The two classic rivals meet tonight on ESPN in the finale of a three-game set that has seen both clubs emerge victorious one time thus far. Surprisingly, we've seen the money come in on the visiting Cardinals, who have been bet down to +135 on the betting line.
On Friday, it was the Cubs drawing first blood with an extra inning 3-2. Yesterday, the result was never in doubt as St. Louis jumped all over MLB's best home team early and prevailed 12-3. It was just the sixth win in 19 games here at Wrigley by the Cardinals. This series marked the Redbirds first visit to the Freindly Confines of 2008.
Chris Carpenter has looked good in two starts during his much-anticipated return from major elbow surgery. His third will likely present his biggest challenge of the season. Carpenter (0-0, 1.00 ERA) allowed three hits in five scoreless innings of a 6-4, 11-inning win over the Dodgers on Tuesday. It was his second straight solid start since returning this season after reconstructive surgery on his elbow last year.
Carpenter is 7-2 with a 3.07 ERA in 13 starts versus Chicago and 5-1 at Wrigley Field.
For the Cubs, Ryan Dempster is looking to avoid a third straight loss at home. Dempster went 10-0 with a 2.58 ERA in his first 11 starts at Wrigley, but is 0-2 with a 3.57 ERA in his last three. He allowed two runs in five innings of a 2-0 loss to Houston on Monday, a game called in the bottom of the eighth due to severe weather.
The Cubs offense is struggling a bit. After scoring 11 runs in each of their final two games against the Astros, the Cubs were held to three runs for the second straight outing Saturday.
After this series, St. Louis continues its road swing in Florida on Monday. The Cubs are off tomorrow before travelling to Atlanta.
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