ST. LOUIS -- Adam Wainwright didn't pick his All-Star Game replacement, but he did get what he wanted: a spot for teammate Edward Mujica.
Under the current collective bargaining agreement, pitchers selected for the All-Star Game who start on the Sunday prior to the game have the option of pitching a maximum of one inning or bowing out of the game. Wainwright, who started Sunday night against the Cubs, said last week he'd be happy to step aside if Mujica, the Cardinals' closer, got his spot.
Wainwright decided Sunday not to participate in the game, and it later was announced that Mujica would take his place, giving the Cardinals six All-Stars: catcher Yadier Molina, right fielder Carlos Beltran, first baseman Allen Craig, infielder Matt Carpenter, Wainwright and Mujica.
Entering the game Sunday, Mujica was 1-1 with a 2.27 ERA and 26 saves (tied for second in the league) in 27 opportunities.
Ironically, Sunday was not one of the better nights for either Wainwright or Mujica. Wainwright gave up eight hits and four runs (all earned) in six innings but still had a chance to win the game after the Cards scored two runs in the top of the seventh to retake the lead, 5-4.
Manager Mike Matheny summoned Mujica with two outs in the eighth and two runners on base. Mujica gave up a two-run double that allowed the Cubs to forge a 6-6 tie, denying Wainwright his 13th win. It was only the second blown save of the season for Mujica.
The Cardinals won anyway, scoring four runs -- including three on a Molina home run -- in the top of the ninth to take a 10-6 lead. Molina and Craig had four hits each, and Beltran and Carpenter each had two.
The winning pitcher? Mujica, who made quick work of the Cubs in the bottom of the ninth.
