--The Cardinals had three errors and a couple of other misplays Thursday, but there were no unearned runs. "Defensively, it wasn't our sharpest day," manager Tony La Russa said.
--RHPs Kyle McClellan and Ryan Franklin held the Cubs hitless for the last three innings Thursday, and Franklin gained his second save. McClellan notably was strong in his two innings, throwing his curveball for strikes earlier in the count than usual. "That's about as impressive as he can be," manager Tony La Russa said. "That's the way he was last year." --The Cardinals' three-game sweep of the Astros was their first since July 15-17 of 2005. The teams more often than not have been jousting for the division title in the last decade, but the Cardinals have the all-time edge at 342-301.
BY THE NUMBERS: 24 -- Multi-homer games for 1B Albert Pujols after he drove in seven runs with a grand slam and a three-run homer against Houston on April 11.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I am just blown away by that guy. I think he's the best hitter of all time." -- RHP Adam Wainwright, on teammate Albert Pujols.
