Streak ends, but Cards' bullpen still a strength

LOS ANGELES -- Though a non-factor in the outcome of Game 3 of the National League Championship Series, the Cardinals' bullpen had its string of 11 2/3 scoreless innings snapped with the Dodgers' eighth-inning run on Monday. St. Louis' bullpen had not allowed a run since Game 3 of the NL Division Series.

Monday's run was charged to lefty Kevin Siegrist, marking the first earned run he has allowed since July 30. Siegrist had ended the regular season with the Majors' longest active scoreless streak at 25 innings.

Siegrist allowed the first of three straight singles; the other two came off Seth Maness, including a bloop over the head of second baseman Kolten Wong to score Carl Crawford from second.

Though the Cards have five rookies in their bullpen, relief pitching has been a strength for the club this postseason. Through eight playoff games, the 'pen has limited opponents to a .188 batting average and five runs (four earned) in 21 1/3 innings. The relievers have struck out 17 and walked eight.