News:
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa thinks there should be discussion on a rule change preventing collisions at the plate like the one that resulted in Buster Posey likely being out for the year.
Speaking of which, Astros catcher Humberto Quintero has been placed on the DL following a home plate collision in yesterdays game.
After spraining his shoulder hitting, Reds pitcher Homer Bailey was officially placed on the DL yesterday.
The Pirates pitching this year is drastically better than it was last year. Here's an article on how/why.
And here's an article on why the Astros are bad.
Yesterday's Games:
The Pirates beat the Cubs, 4-2. Pittsburgh kept Chicago in check for most of the game as Kevin Correia went 7.1 scoreless innings (striking out a whopping two hitters) and gave up just four hits. The only Cubs runs came in the ninth on a two run home run off the bat of Alfonso Soriano. Old friend Doug Davis started for the Cubs and went 4.2 innings, allowing all four runs (two earned) on four hits and six walks. The Pirates only had one extra base hit, but utilized two Cubs errors to get ahead early. Andrew McCutchen, now batting third, picked up two hits and an RBI and Chris Snyder reached base three times.
The Reds beat the Braves 5-1. The returning Mike Leake pitched a strong six innings as he allowed just a single run. Scott Rolen had a couple hits and a walk and Brandon Phillips reached base three times. Ramon Hernandez hit a two run home run, continuing a very strong season.
The Astros lost to the Diamondbacks 7-6. Brett Myers was an out and a run away from a quality start, giving up 4 in 5.2 innings. All four runs were given up via the long ball. Despite giving up five runs in six innings, Daniel Hudson still got the win for Arizona as the D-Backs scored two runs in the fifth, two in the sixth, and three in the seventh. For the Astros, Michael Bourn went 3-5 with a double, three RBI and two runs scored and Jeff Keppinger went 2-5 with an RBI.
The Cardinals maintained a hot streak as they crushed the Rockies 10-3. Jake Westbrook fell an innings short of a quality start, allowing three runs in five innings while striking out four. Colby Rasmus broke out of his slump in a big way, going 4-5 with two runs scored and three RBI. Six other Cardinals all had two-hit games: Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman, Ryan Theriot, Jon Jay, Allen Craig, and Tyler Greene.
The Brewers lost to the Giants 5-4. You can find our recap here.
Updated Standings:
| W | L | GB | Last 10 | Streak | |
| Cardinals | 31 | 21 | -- | 8-2 | W1 |
| Brewers | 27 | 24 | 3.5 | 7-3 | L1 |
| Reds | 27 | 25 | 4.0 | 2-8 | W1 |
| Pirates | 23 | 26 | 6.5 | 5-5 | W1 |
| Cubs | 22 | 27 | 7.5 | 5-5 | L1 |
| Astros | 19 | 32 | 11.5 | 4-6 | L1 |
Today's Matchups:
Paul Maholm (1-7, 3.65) and Randy Wells (1-0, 1.50) do battle for the Pirates and Cubs, respectively.
Bud Norris (2-3, 3.77) starts for the Astros and faces former Pirate Zach Duke, who is making his first start of the year, and the Diamondbacks.
Bronson Arroyo (3-5, 5.28) and the Reds face Derek Lowe (3-4, 3.53) and the Braves.
Jaime Garcia (5-0, 1.93) and the Cardinals take on the Rockies and Juan Nicasio, who will be making his major league debut.
Randy Wolf (4-4, 3.70) is on the mound for the Brewers against the Giants and Jonathan Sanchez (3-3, 3.47)