Cubs turn to Maholm in St. Louis

The last time Paul Maholm tasted victory, it was before the All-Star break last season and the southpaw was pitching for Pittsburgh.

Maholm has a chance to give the Chicago Cubs a victory in the rubber match of their three-game series with the defending World Series champions this afternoon. He lost his final five decisions of 2011 and then suffered a defeat to Milwaukee on Tuesday when he yielded six hits and six runs in four innings on Tuesday.

All told, Maholm hasn't been on the winning side of a decision since July 10, when he faced the Cubs. He's 4-6 with a 3.72 ERA in 15 starts vs. St. Louis.

Jake Westbrook was on the positive side in his first start of 2012, as the Cardinals righty threw seven frames and gave up just three hits and no earned runs in a 7-1 win at Cincinnati on Monday. Westbrook is 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA in five games when facing the Cubs.

On Saturday, Yadier Molina had two hits, two RBI and a run scored as the St. Louis got a 5-1 win. Jon Jay added a home run while Lance Lynn (2-0) allowed one run on four hits and two walks through 5 1/3 innings for the Cardinals, who snapped a two-game slide.

"He just continues to trust his stuff and be smart with his off-speed pitches," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said about Lynn. "He made pitches when he had to today."

Chris Volstad (0-1) gave up four runs -- three earned -- on six hits while striking out four to extend his winless streak to 13 games. He has not earned a win since July 10, 2011, recording six losses and seven no-decisions in that span.

Starlin Castro knocked in the lone run for Chicago, which had won its previous two.

The Cards were 10-5 against the Cubs last season.

On this the 65th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier Major League Baseball is commemorating this special occasion by having all players and on-field personnel once again wear the Hall of Famer's No. 42 in addition to other pregame festivities.