ST. LOUIS -- The lineup that gives the St. Louis Cardinals their best chance to string together runs and win this series is back on the field after a one-game, lefty-inspired hiatus.

Colby Rasmus returns to center field and is batting fifth for the second time since returning from the disabled list. Skip Schumaker is back at leadoff and second base. Rasmus sat yesterday against the lefty Travis Wood despite a .729 OPS against lefthanded pitchers. Five of the eight position player in the lineup that day had OPSs of less than .700 overall ...

The lineup for this afternoon's rubber game at Busch Stadium between the Cardinals and the division-leading Cincinnati Reds:

1. Schumaker, 2B

2. Jay, RF

3. Pujols, 1B

4. Holliday, LF

5. Rasmus, CF

6. Molina, C

7. Feliz, 3B

8. Ryan, SS

9. Carpenter

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Also of note this morning: The Cardinals' rookie level club in Johnson City won the Appalachian League championship on Saturday. It is the first time in 34 years that the Cardinals' affiliate has won the title. Virgil Hill homered in the title game and drove in three runs.

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