Cubs get a 6-4 "W" to lead off series against Cardinals

The Cubs won the first game 6-4 of the 2-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium tonight.  Ryan Dempster started for the Cubs but ended up with a no-decision.  Before tonight's game, Dempster led the Major Leagues with a 1.02 ERA, but was winless after five starts. 

Since the National League began keep track of earned-run average in 1912, no pitcher has ever had as low of an ERA after his first five starts without a win. The next lowest was Randy Wells, who posted a 1.69 ERA after five starts in 2009 while going 0-2.

The Cubs offense gave Dempster four runs of support, but he wasn't able to hold the lead and gave up four runs in the sixth inning, matching the total he had given up in his first 25 1/3 innings this season and raising his ERA to 1.74.

Shawn Camp ended up recording the win and Rafael Dolis pitched an impressive ninth inning.  The Cubs left the bases loaded in the second, third and seventh innings.

Alfonso Soriano's RBI single in the eighth inning gave the Cubs a 5-4 lead. 

Alfonso Soriano hits the go-ahead single in the eighth inning (US Presswire photo)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Cardinals will play at 12:45pm in St. Louis, where lefty Paul Maholm will go for his fifth straight win.