Talk about an unbalanced schedule – the Cubs and Cards will meet for a 3rd time already this season when the 2 teams play a 3-game set in St. Louis this week.

Here’s how the match-ups unfold:

Tuesday night – Ted Lilly v. Joel Pineiro.  Lilly has won his last 4 decisions against the Cards and boasts a 2.99 career-ERA against them.  Pineiro has struggled against the Cubs – 2-3 record with an ERA over 5.

Wednesday night – Ryan Dempster v. Chris Carpenter – Carpenter has not pitched since his April 14th start in Arizona.  He tore a muscle in his left side swinging a bat and will be on a pitch count of about 75-80 pitches on Wednesday.

Thursday night – Sean marshall v. Adam Wainwright.

The Cubs trail the 1st place Brewers by 2 games in the NL Central race.  Although the Cubs have been playing well, the Brewers have been even better – winning 8 of 10 games and currently on a 6-game winning streak.  The Cards trail the Brewers by 3 games in the NL Central, so it is a big series for both ballclubs.