For the third time in two days, the Cardinals loaded the bases against a Cubs pitcher, and this time, they came through in a big way -- with the help of one of the best bases-loaded hitters of all-time.\n\nWith no outs in the first inning of Game 1 of Wednesday’s seven-inning doubleheader,
The four-run first inning gave Flaherty a lead before he had even thrown a pitch. Ian Happ’s leadoff homer put the Cubs on the board, but Flaherty was able to work out of trouble for 1 2/3 innings. When he hit Nico Hoerner to load the bases on his 41st and final pitch, lefty
Flaherty’s pitch count was likely right around 40 in his first start since Opening Day on July 24. He worked around two uncharacteristic walks in the second inning -- one to Willson Contreras after getting in an 0-2 count, and one to Jason Kipnis, who fell into an 0-1 count before Flaherty threw four straight balls. But Flaherty said he felt strong, and he will likely be able to extend his next start.\n\n“I was able to get into good counts and able to get ahead,\" Flaherty said. \"I would just say I didn’t execute once I got into those spots.\"
\n\nThe Cardinals’ bullpen, refreshed after four relievers took the bulk of the innings on Tuesday, held the Cubs scoreless until