Cardinals 7, Cubs 1

Hero: Reliever James Russell's stock continues to rise. The rookie right-hander, in the longest outing of his major league career, worked four shutout innings, allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out one.

Goat: Starter Randy Wells (3-3) was removed without recording an out after allowing five runs on six hits.

Key Plays: Wells surrendered a single to Felipe Lopez; a double to Ryan Ludwick; singles to Albert Pujols, Matt Holliday, and Colby Rasmus; and a double to Yadier Molina.

Comment: The Cubs (23-26) dropped to 9-13 against NL Central opponents and to 2-5 against first-place Cincinnati and second-place St. Louis.

Next: Carlos Silva (6-0, 3.52 ERA) will put his unbeaten record on the line Saturday (Fox, 3:10 p.m.) when he opposes St. Louis right-hander Adam Ottavino who will make his major league debut.