The defeat cut the Chicago Cubs’ division lead to 2 1/2 games as they ride a three-game losing streak and losses in five of their last six games.

The Cubs have not lost more than three consecutive games in nearly a year, since June 23-26 of last season, when they were beaten at home by the Mets, then drop

Erick Fedde has struggled to pitch deep into games this season, and his start against the Cubs will be no different. The St. Louis Cardinals have taken the first two of a four-game set against the Chicago Cubs, and the divisional rivals will hit the field at Busch Stadium for Game 3 tonight.