REDBIRDS get one back against a stubborn and improved NORTH Side Bunch...A CUP of JOE in the SHOW Report "FRIENDLY Confines" Edition #TGIFHardball #NLCentralBiz

The Chicago Cubs beat the redbirds last night 3-0 and the Redbirds return the favor on Friday but not after the Cubbies hung real tough. The Cards set the temp early getting two in the first off of Cubbies Starter Carlos Villanueva. The Cubs then struck with one in the 3rd frame with the Redbirds putting up one more in the 7th. Cubs Star Short Stop Starlin Castro ended the scoring as he took Redbirds Middle reliever Kevin Seigrist deep for a Solo Shot but the Cards still win 3-2.

Redbirds Starter Joe Kelly gets the "W" going 5 1/3 innings allowing three hits and one run while striking out four. The Cubs Carlos Villanueva went six gave up two runs on four hits striking out four. Redbirds OF Carlos Beltran pounded out three hits to lead the Cards while the Cubs Castro goes 2 for 3. Redbirds Closer Edward Mujica gets his 26th save of 2013. The Redbirds hold a 1 1/2 game lead on the Buccos as they host the Amazins' Tonight at PNC for a start of three before the break. Cubbies are 15 plus back of the cards but playing well enough to say they won't be last in the NL Central in 2013.