LOS ANGELES — Even limited career history trumps recent history as St. Louis Cardinals leadoff hitter Skip Schumaker takes an expected seat for this afternoon’s Game 2 of the NLDS against the Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw. Schumaker, the Cardinals…

It took until the top of the sixth, but the Cardinals and Dodgers just had their first 1-2-3 inning.

Dodgers reliever Ronald Belisario got three straight outs as Skip Schumaker, Brendan Ryan and Albert Pujols went down in order, all on…

Tony La Russa on starting Colby Rasmus in center despite teasing earlier in the week about a Skip Schumaker return to the outfield: “It really came down to Colby or Rick (Ankiel) at center. And I think Colby earned the…

After teasing with the idea of putting Skip Schumaker back in center field, Tony La Russa has him at second base tonight, leading off.

Back shortly with rest of lineup.

LOS ANGELES — Manager Tony La Russa is going to have start at least one lefthanded hitter against either of the Los Angeles Dodgers first two starters in this National League Division Series, and that could mean sending Skip Schumaker…

ST. LOUIS — Second baseman Julio Lugo, making his pitch to be the St. Louis Cardinals leadoff hitter against lefthanded starters, led off the game with a full-count home run Thursday afternoon at Busch Stadium. Lugo, who entered the game…

NEW YORK — Manager Tony La Russa explained Wednesday’s day off for second baseman Skip Schumaker stemmed from Tuesday’s “active” night in a 10-inning 12-7 win over the New York Mets. Schumaker described the game as “probably the most emotionally…

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NEW YORK — Manager Tony La Russa will include two lefthanded bats in tonight’s lineup against New York Mets lefthander Johan Santana (12-8, 2.96 ERA). Center fielder Rick Ankiel will start and bat seventh after compiling a .412 average…

PHILADELPHIA — St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa hasn’t had the chance to return the voice mail he received this afternoon, but when he saw it was from Mark McGwire he knew what it was about.

“He’s a big, huge…

NEW YORK — St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Brendan Ryan, 5-for-10 in his first visit to Citi Field, moves up to leadoff as manager Tony La Russa essentially triple-stacks his lineup with leadoff hitters to face New York Mets ace Johan…