ST. LOUIS — For eight innings Tuesday night, the Cardinals were on cruise control.
For eight innings, they played like a team capable of making a push in a so far relatively unclaimed division. For the second consecutive night, a rookie starter provided them with a solid start of at least five innings, allowing just one earned run. This time it was Johan Oviedo who spun five frames, scattering three hits and an earned run with one intentional walk, two hit batters and five strikeouts. He was aiming for his first major league win in 17 starts. For eight innings, it looked like he would achieve it.
For eight innings, St.
