MLB: St. Louis 2, Chicago Cubs 1

ST. LOUIS, May 20 (UPI) -- Chris Carpenter threw five scoreless innings in his return from the disabled list Wednesday, helping bring St. Louis a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs.

Three St. Louis relievers protected the shutout into the ninth inning before Ryan Franklin allowed a double to Milton Bradley, a walk to Geovany Soto and a two-out single by pinch-hitter Micah Hoffpauir that brought the Cubs within one.

Reed Johnson then swung and missed at two pitches and fouled off three more before swinging at strike three to end the game and give Franklin his 10th save.

Carpenter (2-0) had been out of action since April 14 with a strained ribcage. He allowed three hits and two walks while striking out four.

The Cubs managed only one run after being shut out the night before.

Ryan Dempster (3-3) took the loss despite allowing just two runs on six hits in seven innings. The Cubs have dropped three in a row.