>>Cardinals Crush Hapless Astros
(St. Louis, MO) -- Adam Wainwright tossed a five-hitter as the Cardinals clobbered the Astros, 7-0, in the opener of a three-game series. Wainwright struck out 12 and walked only one to improve to 12-and-10. Yadier Molina went 3-for-4 with two RBI for the Cards, who have won two-of-three. Skip Schumaker smacked a two-run single in the victory. The series continues tonight, with Kyle Lohse [[ Loash ]] facing Bud Norris.
>>Brewers Hold Off Cubs
(Milwaukee, WI) -- Marco Estrada struck out nine over six shutout innings as the Brewers held off the Cubs, 5-3. Milwaukee has won the first two in the three-game set. Alfonso Soriano and Starlin Castro each plated a run in the ninth for the Cubs, who have dropped five-of-six. Chris Rusin allowed only a run on one hit and two walks in five innings to take the tough-luck loss in his first MLB start. Travis Wood will toe the rubber against Yovani Gallardo [[ GUY-are-doh ]] in this afternoon's series finale.
>>Youkilis' Slam Leads White Sox Past Yankees
(Chicago, IL) -- Kevin Youkilis smacked a grand slam to lead the White Sox in a 7-3 win over the Yankees. Paul Konerko added a solo shot, while A.J. Pierzynski and Gordon Beckham both plated a run and scored a run for the White Sox, who will go for the three-game sweep tonight. Francisco Liriano struck out seven over six innings of two-run ball as he improved to 5-and-10. Chris Sale gets the nod opposite Phil Hughes in tonight's series finale.
>>Report: Bears To Work Out Punter Matt Dodge
(Lake Forest, IL) -- The Chicago Bears reportedly brought in free-agent punter Matt Dodge for a tryout yesterday. Dodge was selected in the seventh round of the 2010 draft by the New York Giants. The Giants released Dodge at the end of preseason last year. The Bears need some depth at the punter position after Adam Podlesh suffered a hip flexor injury in last Saturday's win over Washington. The only other punter on the team's roster in undrafted rookie free agent Ryan Quigley. Chicago continues its exhibition slate on Friday evening at the Giants.
>>Rams Get Bodies Back
(St. Louis, MO) -- The Rams continue to gear up for Saturday's preseason game at Dallas. Center Scott Wells, receiver Brandon Gibson and safety Darian Stewart are among the injured that have returned to practice. The Rams' final exhibition game is a week from tomorrow against Baltimore.
>>Colts Make Deal With Rams
(Indianapolis, IN) -- The Colts made a trade with the Rams last night. Indianapolis acquired cornerback Josh Gordy from St. Louis in exchange for an undisclosed draft pick in 2014. Gordy had 43 tackles and three interceptions last season.
