The move didn’t squelch the Cubs’ offensive push. Shaw hit an RBI triple in the third inning and a solo home run in the fifth, his sixth long ball since the All-Star break. In between, Tucker drew a walk and was moved all the way around the bases by singles from Kelly and Happ.

Unlike Monday and Tuesday’s losses against the Cincinnati Reds, the Cubs actually put some pressure on the Cardinals in Friday night’s 5-0 loss. But what’s dogged them lately is their continued inability to come up with the big hit.