Game 29

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• Friday May 2^nd – Busch Stadium

• Cardinals 5 – Cubs 3

• Record (17-12) – 2^nd place in the NL Central

The skinny: What in the world is going on with Rich Hill, and who in the heck is Skip Schumaker?

I don’t blame Lou one bit for pulling Hill after 27 pitches and four walks – one of which forced in the game’s first run.

Good grief, the Cubs gave Hill nine days off to get his act together, mainly focusing on his control, and this is what happens.

Worse, the fact Hill didn’t survive the first inning only magnifies yesterday’s ugly loss.

Besides, if Lou doesn’t go to Wuertz (in place of Hill) the team probably doesn’t have a chance to tie the game at three with Soriano’s home run in the ninth.

And, while we’re talking Soriano, his defense has been terrible. Look, maybe it’s me, but I don’t remember Alfonso struggling like this in the field a year ago.

Furthermore, I don’t want to hear any ‘just off the DL’ excuses either. Alfonso could have agreed (or even volunteered) for a rehab assignment. Instead, the left-fielder has misplayed three fly balls in two games. What gives?

Now, it’s one thing if Soriano’s miscues are non-health related; but we’re back to square one if they are. Obviously, if Soriano is not 100 percent healthy, then put someone in the line-up who is.

As always, DEFENSE MATTERS!

Also, I do feel bad for Chad Fox. The guy hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since April 25^th 2005. Then, in his first game back – BANG – walk-off home run. Fox probably wanted to get right back on the plan headed for Double-A Tennessee (well, maybe Triple-A).

Plus, hats off to Jon Lieber: 3.2 IP, 0-R, 5-H, 0-BB and 1-K. The right-hander has been money more times than not this year. Seriously, how long before Hill is out of the rotation and Lieber takes his spot?

W: Villone (2-0)

L: Fox (0-1)

• Notes: Oddly, as Chad Fox’s eight year career temporarily ended during the 2005 season, Skip Schumaker was beginning his career in St. Louis.

• The switch-hitting Carlos Zambrano singled in the third inning as a pinch-hitter. He’s now 1-for-9 all-time pinch-hitting.

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