since August.Congratulations to the Saskatchewan Ro

CHICAGO -- When St. Louis Cardinals Mike Matheny visited the mound with two out and two on in the seventh inning on Sunday, he had no idea whether he was going to replace starter Adam Wainwright. "I was good to go either way," Matheny said. "I needed to look in his eyes and not hear what he says but see how he says it. Im kind of watching his mannerisms and then I give him a chance to say what he needs to say." Matheny liked what he heard (and saw) and returned to the dugout. Wainwright then got Nate Schierholtz to ground out to complete a strong outing. The right-hander pitched seven scoreless innings and Matt Holliday hit a solo homer to lead the Cardinals to a 1-0 victory and a series win over the Chicago Cubs. Wainwright (13-5) allowed five hits and walked three during his seven innings to take over the Major League lead in wins. It was a far cry from his previous outing when he allowed six runs (four earned) in 4 2-3 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays last Tuesday. "The results usually follow my delivery," Wainwright said. "When I control my delivery -- I told you I was gonna get things under wraps -- and get my arm in the right spot, success was following that. "They hit some balls hard, but we played some great defence and made some pitches when we needed to." Matheny had no doubts and said he expected a bounce-back effort before the game. "I dont think thats much of a reach when youre talking about one of the best pitchers in the game," the manager said. "Hes been so consistent. When you have those days, I guess thats a reminder of hard it is to do what he does at the level that he does it. "It was a big game for us. We needed it to happen and he did everything he could." Kevin Siegrist worked the eighth and Trevor Rosenthal pitched the ninth for his 32nd save in 36 chances. Cubs rookie Kyle Hendricks (1-1) allowed just one run on seven hits in 6 1-3 innings. "He works quick," Chicago first baseman Anthony Rizzo said of Hendricks. "The groundballs are nice. The double plays are nice. Its all we can ask from him really, especially two days now where, both games at home, not good days to pitch at Wrigley. He did a really nice job." With the wind blowing out to right field, the conditions seemed ideal for a classic Wrigley Field slugfest -- a feeling seemingly confirmed when Holliday, the third batter of the game, lifted a drive to centre field that landed in the batters eye for a solo homer and a 1-0 Cardinals lead. But thats where the score stayed as the starters took control. The only time Hendricks was close to giving up a run after the first inning came after he was lifted in the seventh inning with a runner on first base and one out. Left-hander Wesley Wright loaded the bases with two out, but got Wainwright to line out softly to first base. Even though a base hit would have broken the game open, Matheny never considered pinch hitting with Wainwright having only thrown 83 pitches to that point. "Its all about pitching at that point," he said. "Were having a hard time getting something going offensively and we can roll the dice -- we have a live bullpen -- but weve got one of the best pitchers in the league on the mound. To me, especially with what his pitch count was, I want him going back on the mound." When asked how long the list is of pitchers he let hit there, Matheny said: "Very short. Maybe one on that list." NOTES: As part of the 100th anniversary celebration of Wrigley Field, both teams wore replica uniforms from 1978. The Cardinals uniforms were only slightly different than ones from today (no belts and pullover jerseys being the main change), but the Cubs wore powder blue pinstripes, which were the road uniforms then. ... The Cardinals are off on Monday, while the Cubs begin a four-game home series with the Colorado Rockies, with LHP Tsuyoshi Wada (0-1, 5.00) facing LHP Yohan Flande (0-2, 7.20). Nolan Ryan Jersey . Sterling was banned for life and fined US$2.5 million by the NBA on Tuesday for racist comments the league says he made in a recorded conversation. Nash, who plays for the rival L.A. Lakers, spoke as a representative of current NBA players at a press conference assembled by Sacramento mayor and National Basketball Players Association adviser Kevin Johnson. Jose Altuve Jersey .She struggled with a hacking cough, she was sick, and she twice celebrated too early, but she held her composure in a 6-3, 7-6 (5) victory on Saturday.On her third match point, she let her racket go before hearing a let call to what she thought was an ace. http://www.astrosteamproshop.com/Astros-...ck-Kids-Jersey/. "Yes, Id like to get them in," Detroits rookie manager said. "Mother Natures going to have a say in that." Sure enough, the Tigers had their game against the Kansas City Royals postponed because of rain on Thursday. Tyler Clippard Jersey . Though the 26-year-old said he was able to participate, coach Dwane Casey kept Johnson out as a precaution. Justin Verlander Jersey .S. Olympic hockey management team have been making what he called "ghost rosters" since August.Congratulations to the Saskatchewan Roughriders - the 2013 Grey Cup Champions. Thats a statement of genuine significance when you consider the work and risk that was undertaken in the offseason and throughout the year. In some ways, the Riders gambled and won. Heading into the season, the thought of being the home team in the Grey Cup must have been intoxicating. It wasnt just the advantage in terms of actually winning the game - and it was - but also the revenue generated in the city of Regina and throughout the province. An estimated $123 million will be shelled out from CFL fans from Saskatchewan and across the country. During the offseason, I couldnt help but think there was pressure to make that win happen because of the benefits it curtailed. The aspects of the Grey Cup I enjoy the most are the moments you know you will never experience again. Martin Short and Tom Hanks just dropping by to be a part of the crowd was surreal. Shaking hands with two entertainment icons at the top of their profession and then watching Tom Hanks lead the "0skie Wee Wee" song was a sight to behold. There was no beefed up security and no entourage - just a one entertainer sharing a Canadian experience with another. And hats off to the way the people of Regina embraced their fellow Canadians from other provinces and territories, expressing only a desire to share this moment in time. The way the fans embraced our CFL panel with a level of respect and affection that each of us experienced and are grateful for. From where we sat in the stands and walking throughout the streets of Reginaa, I give my personal thanks to everyone for making us feel so appreciated and welcome.ddddddddddddI didnt have a single negative experience with anyone I met or came across. Its an amazing, uplifting and humbling experience when youre on the sidelines and people are applauding your presence. And how about the scene after the game when the Riders had won and the Grey Cup was being presented? Not one person left. All 50,000 (at least!) people stayed - from the highest of the rafters right down to field level. It was cold, wet and uncomfortable, but an hour after the game everyone was still there. Seeing the efficiency and focus of the Riders from the opening intros to the players victory formation to end the game, you kinda knew this was meant to be. And what a way to end the last championship at Mosaic Stadium/Taylor Field. As we look ahead to 2014 there are two new stadiums on the horizon and a new team on the way. Having those stadiums up and ready to go on time is important for a new era of stability in the league. An thought we say this at the end of every Grey Cup (and its the truth), this years event was a complete success on many fronts. Sure, you would want a more competitive game. But in terms of a city hosting a sporting event, this one past holds its own high degree of success. Many thanks to the planners, investors, workers and especially the volunteers. You hit a home run in making all feel welcome - except the Hamilton Tiger Cats (But watch out, they may be back next year)! And as many Rider fans will surely respond, "So will we!" ' ' '