Cardinals Blank Cubs In Opening Day Contest

CHICAGO -- Adam Wainwright on Opening Night at Wrigley Field was a perfect combination for the St. Louis Cardinals. Wainwright threw six innings of five-hit ball, and St. Louis chased Jon Lester in the fifth inning of a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Sunday in the major league opener.

"A shutout win is a great way to do it," manager Mike Matheny said, pleased with the start for the reigning NL Central champs. "I'm real impressed how Wainer went about his business and set the tone."

Wainwright allowed the leadoff hitter to reach in four of the first five innings, including three doubles. But he worked out of trouble each time, finishing with six strikeouts and no walks.

The ace right-hander improved to 9-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 20 career games at Chicago's longtime home. He also lowered his ERA to 1.85 for four career starts on Opening Day.

Monday, April 6 Schedule (All Times Central)

Toronto at New York, noon

Minnesota at Detroit, 12:08 p.m.

Colorado at Milwaukee, 1:10 p.m.

Boston at Philadelphia, 2:05 p.m.

Baltimore at Tampa Bay, 2:10 p.m.

New York at Washington, 3 p.m.

Chicago at Kansas City, 3:10 p.m.

Los Angeles at Seattle, 3:10 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 3:10 p.m.

San Diego at Los Angeles, 3:10 p.m.

Atlanta at Miami, 3:10 p.m.

Cleveland at Houston, 6 p.m.

San Francisco at Arizona, 9 p.m.

Texas at Oakland, 9:05 p.m.