(Sports Network) - Kyle Lohse tries to remain perfect on the season this afternoon when the St. Louis Cardinals continue their three-game series with the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium.

Lohse, who was signed by the Cardinals late in Spring Training, bounced back from his worst start of the year on Sunday in Houston, holding the Astros to a run and four hits over six innings, as he improved to 3-0, while lowering his earned run average to 2.36.

He had surrendered four runs and eight hits in just four innings to Milwaukee in his previous start, but did not factor in the decision. Lohse has won his last seven decisions dating back to July 25.

Lohse has faced the Cubs four times in his career and is 1-1 against them with a 3.93 ERA.

As good as Lohse has been for the Cards, Chicago starter Ted Lilly has been just the opposite for the Cubs, going 1-4 with a 6.46 ERA. Lilly failed to put two straight wins together his last time out, but pitched well in losing to the Washington Nationals, allowing just two runs and four hits in six innings.

Over his last two starts Lilly has given up three runs in 12 innings after allowing 19 through his first four outings.

Lilly is 3-2 lifetime against the Cubs with a 2.93 ERA in six starts.

In the first game of this pivotal early season showdown, Skip Schumaker hit a game-winning, two-run homer in the 11th inning to lead St. Louis to a 5-3 win. Yadier Molina had a double and ended with two RBI for the Cardinals, who have won three in a row and five of their last six contests.

St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright was not a factor in the decision, despite hurling 6 1/3 innings and giving up just one run on four hits. Ron Villone (1-0) got the win as he yielded just one hit in 2 1/3 frames on the hill.

Alfonso Soriano went 1-for-6, although he had all three RBI for the Cubs, who have dropped two in a row and four of their last five.

Rich Hill started for Chicago, but only lasted two-thirds of an inning and was touched for one run on four walks. Chad Fox (0-1), who had his contract purchased from Triple-A Iowa earlier in the day, was dealt the loss after he surrendered the walk-off homer.

Chicago won 11 of its 16 matchups with the Cards a year ago, including a 7-2 mark in St. Louis. The Cubs are also 32-20 in the series since the start of the 2005 season.