CHICAGO — All the hand-wringing and angst generated this past week by free-agent moves from other teams in the National League to fortify their pitching staffs -- including a closer coming to Chicago -- would still not have done the Cardinals much good Friday given their flighty offense.
The Cardinals managed the minimal against Cubs lefty Cole Hamels in a 3-1 loss at Wrigley Field. The Cardinals have yet to win a game on the north side of Chicago this season in four visits.
Hamels pitched eight shutout innings and struck out 10 Cardinals. He allowed three hits.