Home Runs Propel Cardinals To Win, Cubs Lose Again

LOS ANGELES -- Two-run homers by Yadier Molina and Marcell Ozuna propelled the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday.

The Cardinals continue to show power at the plate as their hitting has taken a turn-around. Putting together 16 victories so far in August, the Cardinals moved within 2 1/2 games of the Chicago Cubs in the National League race. They are now a half game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.

The bullpen continues to see changes. Daniel Poncedeleon started and went four innings, allowing five hits, one run, one walk and striking out eight.  Luke Weaver and Carlos Martinez came on as relievers.  Weaver picked up the win going 2.1 innings, allowing three hits and striking out one. Bud Norris picked up his 26th save.

Molina knocked out his two-run shot in the third while Ozuna's two-run blow came in the seventh. Jedd Gyoko added a double in the mix.

It was a scary moment when Martinez was hit by a 110-mph line drive off the bat of Joc Pederson. Martinez went down but walked off the field and X-rays did not show any damage.

Tigers 2, Cubs 1

If the Chicago Cubs continue with only one run a game, the season will be over in short order.

Detroit took a 2-0 first inning lead and that held up the rest of the way as the Cubs could only garner one run off Anthony Rizzo's solo homer in the sixth. It was his 19th of the season as the Cubs fell to the Tigers 2-1 at Comerica Park Tuesday.

The Cubs are 0-for-22 with runners in scoring position in their last five games. That puts them only 2 1/2 games ahead of the  Cardinals in the NL Central.

Despite their struggles, the Cubs still have the best record in the NL.

Cubs, Nationals Trade

The Washington Nationals made a couple of moves Tuesday, trading second baseman Daniel Murphy to the Chicago Cubs and sending first baseman Matt Adams to the St. Louis Cardinals. In return, the Nationals get prospects and cash.

Chicago Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish is done for the season as an MRI has revealed a stress reaction in his right elbow and a triceps strain. Darvish signed a $126 million, six-year contract with Chicago in February, but made just eight starts this season.

Yankees' Chapman Has Knee Problems

New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman left last night’s 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins in the 12th inning after throwing just six pitches. Once again it was trouble with Chapman’s bothersome left knee and he’s set for more tests.

The New York Yankees placed shortstop Didi Gregorius on the 10-day disabled list with a bruised left heel. However, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said the swelling had gone down.

Giant's Posey Headed For Hip Surgery

San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey is likely headed for hip surgery that would end his season. Posey didn’t start last night against the Mets after catching all 13 innings Monday.

Tuesday,  August 21 Scoreboard

Detroit 2, Chicago Cubs 1

St. Louis 5, Los Angeles Dodgers 2

Minnesota 5, Chicago White Sox 2

Washington 10, Philadelphia 4

Toronto 8, Baltimore 2

Atlanta 6, Pittsburgh 1

Cleveland 6, Boston 3

New York Mets 6, San Francisco 3

New York Yankees 2, Miami 1 (F/12)

Cincinnati 9, Milwaukee 7

Tampa  Bay 4, Kansas City 1

San Diego 4, Colorado 3

Arizona 5, Los Angeles Angels 4

Oakland 6, Texas 0

Houston 3, Seattle 2

Wednesday, August 22 Schedule (All Times Central)

Baltimore at Toronto, 11:37 a.m.

Minnesota at Chicago White Sox, 1:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at Milwaukee, 1:10 p.m.

Texas at Oakland, 2:35 p.m.

Houston at Seattle, 3 p.m.

Atlanta at Pittsburgh, 6:05 p.m.

Philadelphia at Washington, 6:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at Detroit, 6:10 p.m.

Cleveland at Boston, 6;10 p.m.

San Francisco at New York Mets, 6:10 p.m.

Kansas City at Tampa Bay, 6:10 p.m.

New York Yankees at Miami, 6:10 p.m.

San Diego at Colorado, 7:40 p.m.

Los Angeles Angels at Arizona, 8:40 p.m.

St. Louis at Los Angeles Dodgers, 9 p.m.