Cubs 5, Cardinals 0

Hero: When Randy Wells (5-7) struck out St. Louis leadoff hitter Felipe Lopez in the first inning, he had already improved upon his previous start against the Cardinals on May 28, when he surrendered six hits without retiring a batter. Wells didn't stop there, working seven shutout innings while allowing five hits, walking three, and striking out seven.

Goat: Marlon Byrd was the only Cubs starter - including Wells - who did not collect at least one hit. Byrd, however, did walk and score a run.

Key Play: Tyler Colvin's leadoff home run in the bottom of the first - Colvin's 14th homer of the season - provided Wells with all the support he would need.

Comment: Jeff Suppan fell to 0-2 with an 8.24 ERA in three starts against the Cubs this season. The 35-year-old right-hander is now 6-11 lifetime against the Cubs.

Next: Tom Gorzelanny (5-5, 3.12 ERA), who will start Saturday (CSN, 12:05 p.m.) for the Cubs (44-53), is on a roll. The 27-year-old left-hander has solidified his spot in the starting rotation by winning his last three starts. Gorzelanny has struck out 16 but has walked 12 in 17 2/3 innings over those three outings.

St. Louis (54-43) will counter with Canadian right-hander Blake Hawksworth (4-5, 4.85) who will be making his sixth start since rejoining the Cardinals' rotation on June 26. Hawksworth is 3-2 with a 5.17 ERA in seven starts this season.