--The Cardinals had three errors and a couple of other misplays Thursday, but there were no unearned runs. 

In the last year or so, left fielder Chris Duncan has been a platoon player, has not played at all because of a herniated disk in his neck that required surgery, and is now playing every day. 

Apr. 

It may be a little early to start talking about showdowns, but the St. 

Kyle Lohse joined the St. 

Chris Duncan is back and better than ever - at the plate, anyway. 

Chris Duncan is back and better than ever - at the plate, anyway. 

PHOENIX - As he has done several times with players this season because of his constantly shifting lineup,Cardinals manager Tony La Russa pulled outfielder Ryan Ludwick aside to explain why he wouldn't start Tuesday. 

The St. 

Ryan Ludwick has picked up where he left off last year - on a tear. 

The St. 

PHOENIX - As he has done several times with players this season because of his constantly shifting lineup,Cardinals manager Tony La Russa pulled outfielder Ryan Ludwick aside to explain why he wouldn't start Tuesday. 

PHOENIX - Any buoyancy theCardinals felt from their superb start to the season deflated Tuesday when a familiar scene played out on the mound in the fourth inning. 

--RF Ryan Ludwick did not get into Tuesday's game despite his . 

The Cardinals blew two saves and suffered a bullpen loss in the first game of a seven-game, opening-week homestand, but the rest was much better, highlighted by a one-hitter worked by RHP Chris Carpenter and two relievers, a three-hit shutout by RHP Kyle