Sports
Westplex Sports For August 19, 2010
By Bo Hud
Aug 19, 2010 - 2:18:45 PM

A ninth-inning comeback fell short as Trevor Hoffman struck out Brendan Ryan with the bases loaded to preserve the Brewers' 3-2 win over the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Matt Holliday doubled home a run and later scored on an error by Prince Fielder to pull St. Louis within one, but Hoffman came on to retire the only batter he faced as Milwaukee completed a two-game sweep. Randy Wolf pitched eight-and-a-third innings of three-hit, one-run ball for his 10th win.  Hoffman got credit for his seventh save. Adam Wainwright fanned seven, but allowed all three runs in seven innings to fall to 17-and-7 with the loss.  The Cardinals managed just four total hits in the setback.

Riding a four-game losing streak, the Cardinals will take today off to lick their wounds before the San Francisco Giants come to town for the start of a three-game series on Friday.  The Cardinals have dropped four straight games and now trail the first-place Cincinnati Reds by three full games for the NL Central lead.  Jake Westbrook will start tomorrow night's game for the Redbirds, while the Giants will counter with rookie Madison Bumgarner. Saturday will feature a matchup of aces as Chris Carpenter opposes two-time reigning NL Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum.  Kyle Lohse will start opposite Barry Zito on Sunday before the Cards head out on a 10-game road trip.

With David Freese on the disabled list and Felipe Lopez in a slump, the Cardinals are seeking third base or utility infield help from outside the organization.  The "Post-Dispatch" reports general manager John Mozeliak has been involved in discussions with several teams regarding players who have already cleared waivers.  The " Baltimore Sun" reported yesterday that Ty Wigginton was pulled off waivers after at least one team put in a claim.  Blue Jays third baseman Edwin Encarnacion and Astros infielder Geoff Blum have both reportedly cleared waivers.  The Cardinals are also thought to have interest in Detroit's Brandon Inge, but his waiver status is unclear.

Clayton Richard allowed one run on seven hits over six-and-two-thirds innings to help the Padres to a 5-1 win over the Cubs at Wrigley Field.  Adrian Gonzalez homered and went 2-for-2 with three walks and three runs scored.  San Diego has won the first three games in the four-game set and will go for the sweep this afternoon.  Alfonso Soriano had two of Chicago's seven hits in the loss.  Jeff Baker drove in the Cubs' lone run.  Casey Coleman lasted four-and-a-third innings in his first big league start.  He allowed three runs on six hits to suffer the loss.  The Cubs have now lost six-of-eight.

The Cubs traded first baseman Derrek Lee to the Braves yesterday for three minor-league pitchers.  Chicago received right-handed pitchers Tyrelle Harris and Robinson Lopez, lefty Jeffrey Lorick and cash in exchange for the two-time All-Star.  Lee was in his seventh season with the Cubs and was batting .251 with 16 homers and 56 RBI in 109 games. The 34-year-old had to waive his no-trade clause and can become a free agent at the end of the season.  He previously voided a trade to the Angels. His first game with Atlanta is expected to be Friday against the Cubs at Wrigley.

There will be no more two-a-day practices at Rams training camp this year.  The Rams were originally to hold two practices both today and next Tuesday, but head coach Steve Spagnuolo has changed those to single practices.  The Rams are preparing for Saturday night's second preseason game against the Browns in Cleveland.



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