Cards, Cubs both lose one-run games, Cards Stay 3 Up on Cubs

Mitchell Boggs (1-1) gave up 4 runs on nine hits over 6 innings and the Cardinals were never able to come back as they lost to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday 5-4. Down 5-3, the Cardinals were able to score one in the ninth and had Albert Pujols on second when Matt Holliday struck out looking to end the game.

The Cubs meanwhile, in a bizarre game where the Phillies had more runs (4) than hits (3), had an amazing outing from Rich Harden who was perfect through five innings. but then gave up a walk to Carlos Ruiz and a homer to Jimmy Rollins and the game was then tied at 2. The Phillies were able to score one in the eighth, but Brad Lidge blew a save to allow the Cubs to tie the game at 3-3 after nine innings. In the twelfth, Ben Francisco of the Phillies opeed the frame with a home run off Kevin Gregg and the Phillies hung on to win in 12 innings 4-3.

the Cardinals (63-52) still lead the Chicago Cubs (58-53) by 3 full games in the NL Central.