The Cardinals failed to hold a two-run lead in the ninth inning as the Red Sox scored three times in the final frame to win 5-4. Mookie Betts ended the game with a two-run double off the Green Monster in left field. Cards manager Mike Matheny was tossed shortly before the game-winner over a time-out granted by plate umpire Chris Segal. The Cardinals are in Pittsburgh tonight. Right-handers Adam Wainwright for the Cardinals and Jameson Taillon for the Pirates are on the mound.

The Cubs beat the Reds 7-6 as Javier Baez scored on a wild pitch to end the game. Anthony Rizzo hit a grand slam in the first inning. The series concludes this afternoon at Wrigley Field as right-hander Scott Feldman goes to the hill for Cincy while the Cubs hand the ball to lefty Jon Lester.

The White Sox lost in the ninth at Dodger Stadium 5-4 on a two-run game-ending double by Yasiel Puig. The Sox are in Texas tonight with righties Reinaldo Lopez for Chicago and Tyson Ross for the Rangers on the bump.

The CornBelters got seven strong innings from Scott Sebald and a two-inning save from Heartland Community College product Chad Gendron in a 5-2 win over the Southern Illinois Miners. The Belters scored four times in the opening inning and added a monster home run to the top of the left field berm by Jesus Solorzano. The Belters go for the sweep tonight in the homestand finale at 6:35 at the Corn Crib.

Illinois State is ranked third in the preseason Missouri Valley Conference volleyball poll. Missouri State is the league favorite. ISU’s Jaelyn Keene and Courtney Pence were named to the Valley’s preseason all-conference team.

Illinois Wesleyan’s volleyball team is among those receiving votes in the preseason Division III American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.