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RHATER is Gone.

| 09:14 PM ET  05.24 | For start after start, we watched brilliant performances by Adam Wainwright be squandered by either a bad finish by the bullpen or the offense bowing out and not scoring enough to back him, giving him a 2-1 over the Dodgers last night.  The offense didn't really change this time, but the bullpen sure did hold up.  Wainwright pitched efficiently for 7 strong innings, giving up a run on 5 hits, lowering his ERA to 3.06.  The offense only managed 6 hits but got enough runs to win (2).  That came on ANOTHER HOME RUN by Ryan Ludwick, his 13th of the year.  He has just been ripping the ball out of the park in the past few games.  The Cardinals obviously have a multitude of talent in OF with Schumaker, Ankiel, Ludwick (those 3 I consider everyday starters), Barton, and Duncan (who I absolutely hate). Pujols made Derek Lowe pay by getting his second walk of the game.  Ludwick stepped up to the plate and hit a 2 run homer-that was the game.  Chris Perez has been outstanding so far in 4 appearances this season. Kennedy was dissappointing at lead off, going 0-for-5.  Ankiel left 4 on base in his first start since sitting out a bit with a sore shoulder.  Cubs win, unfortunately.  Cardinals still are in 2nd by just a game in the NL Central.