With the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates both playing exceptional baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals know how important staying in the NL Central race will be. After putting an end to their losing streak in the series-opener, the Cardinals and Cubs remain scoreless through six innings.
Jake Westbrook has been dazzling this afternoon for St. Louis, striking out two batters and allowing only three hits in 6 shutout innings. Matt Garza started the game for Chicago and was effective through three innings, but was forced to leave the game because of an apparent injury. Justin Germano replaced Garza and has done an excellent job in relief, allowing just two hits in three innings.
The Cardinals bats have been quiet so far, with no player recording multiple hits.
For more on the Cardinals stick with SB Nation St. Louis or head over to Viva El Birdos. Cubs news and analysis is available at Bleed Cubbie Blue. For more news, notes and analysis from around the league, check out Baseball Nation.