Morning Box Score: Cubs Topple Cards

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Sep 14, 2010 1:00PM

With the Cubs out of the playoff race since April and the Cardinals slipping further back of the Reds in the NL Central, some of the heat is gone from this week's rivalry series. But that doesn't mean Cubs fans can't take some enjoyment out of the team's 5-1 victory over St. Louis last night. Jeff Samardzija, starting for the first time this season, threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings and even knocked in a run in his own defense. The Cubs, in fact, had four RBI singles - one by Alfonso Soriano knocked in two runs - to provide the offense they needed for victory. Who needs a show of power anyway? And the Cubs have shown some signs of life since Mike Quade took over for the retiring Lou Piniella, going 12-7 since they changed skippers and getting Quade a vote of confidence from GM Jim Hendry. The Cubs keep trying to play spoiler for the Cardinals' fast-fading playoff chances tonight (7:15 p.m., WCIU).

Speaking of fading playoff chances the Sox have one last chance to resurrect theirs when they open a three-game series with the Minnesota Twins tonight. Anything less than a sweep and the Sox are likely done (7:10 p.m., CSN).