ST. LOUIS -- Chris Carpenter carved up the Cubs and his offense came to life late as the Cardinals beat Chicago, 4-0, at Busch Stadium on Thursday. The win gave St. Louis a split of the two-game series between the old rivals, who don't meet again until after the All-Star break.
Carpenter scattered seven singles en route to his team-leading third win of the year and his second complete game in a St. Louis uniform. It was his first shutout since Sept. 4, 2001, when he was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays pitching against the Yankees. Carpenter has 14 complete games and six shutouts in his career.

His opposite number, Ryan Dempster, was pretty sharp as well, permitting but a single run over six innings. However, the Cubs bullpen struggled. Larry Walker bashed a solo homer off Mike Remlinger in the eighth, and three batters later, Scott Rolen hit a two-run shot against Chad Fox.

The Cards improved to 9-5 on the year, maintaining their grip on first place in the National League Central. Chicago fell to 8-8, two games back.