Cubs Grand Slam Spoils Cardinals’ Home Opener

While I was listening to Pat Hughes and Keith Moreland in the car on WGN, Hughes said two things always happen when the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals face each other. No matter what the standings, the games are always competitive. The other thing is that when one team surges ahead, the other charges from behind. That’s exactly how the Cardinals’ home opener took place at Busch Stadium on a soggy day after over an hour rain delay.

The Cardinals were minus former manager Tony LaRussa, replaced by Mike Matheny. Also absent was former Cardinal slugger Albert Pujols. Lance Berkman is day-to-day with an injury.

In the first inning, Ian Stewart hit a home run, allowing both Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro to score. By the third inning it was 4-0 Cubs. Starlin Castro walked; Alfonso Soriano hit a single, sending Castro to third. Ian Stewart walked, loading the bases. Cardinals’ pitcher threw a 91 mph sinker which Bryan LaHair launched into left center field with a beautiful swing. It didn’t quite make it into the stands but fell behind a small fence. It was LaHair’s first career grand slam. The last Cub to hit a grand slam was October 2, 2010, by Aramis Ramirez in Houston against the Astros’ J.A. Happ. The Cubs then scored two more runs, giving them a comfortable lead.

The Cardinals came back to score five runs, but it wasn’t enough. The bullpen did a marvelous job preventing any further runs. David DeJesus made some impressive catches to get outs. The Cubs were victorious, 9-5, their third win of the season and their second consecutive victory. Let’s hope for another one tomorrow!

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By: Heather Santiago
MLBCenter.com Chicago Cubs Correspondent