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Cardinals strive for league-leading 12th win

Apr 18, 2008 - 1:53 PM San Francisco (6-10) at St. Louis (11-5) 8:15 pm EDT

ST. LOUIS (Ticker) - Many people anticipated the San Francisco Giants to struggle this season. Not much was expected out of the St. Louis Cardinals either, but so far no team has more wins.

The Cardinals continue their six-game homestand on Friday when they host the Giants to kick off a three-game set.

After electing not to bring back seven-time National League MVP Barry Bonds, San Francisco knew this season would be a trying one.

However, little also was expected from St. Louis, which made few changes to a team that finished 78-84 last season and has dealt with the possibility of losing six-time All-Star slugger Albert Pujols for an extended time due to his chronically injured right elbow.

Even with Thursday's 5-3 loss, the Cardinals took two of three from Milwaukee at home, where they are 7-2 this season.

Todd Wellemeyer (1-0, 4.00 ERA) - who took a no-decision in his last start against the Giants on Saturday in an 8-7, 10-inning win - will look to improve his numbers this time around. The righthander struck out seven but surrendered five runs and six hits with three walks.

He'll get an opportunity to oppose Matt Cain (0-1, 3.24 ERA) again in a rematch of Saturday's pitching matchup. The 23-year-old righthander took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and even homered off Wellemeyer, but he allowed two runs and struck out five over 6 2/3 innings before departing.