Michael Busch hit a three-run home run, Matt Shaw added a solo shot and an RBI triple and the Chicago Cubs routed the St. Louis Cardinals 9-1 on Saturday.

Only now, with trades, etc., Pallante is probably the Cardinals’ No. 3 starter. That’s not optimal, not for them, anyway. He did hold the Cubs to two runs in five innings June 26 in St. Louis, though the Cubs won that game anyway.

The lead grew to 9-0 as the Cubs also scored in the third, fourth and fifth innings before the Cardinals were able to spoil the shutout. It was the 30th game this season when they were shut out or held to one run.

The move didn’t squelch the Cubs’ offensive push. Shaw hit an RBI triple in the third inning and a solo home run in the fifth, his sixth long ball since the All-Star break. In between, Tucker drew a walk and was moved all the way around the bases by singles from Kelly and Happ.

Unlike Monday and Tuesday’s losses against the Cincinnati Reds, the Cubs actually put some pressure on the Cardinals in Friday night’s 5-0 loss. But what’s dogged them lately is their continued inability to come up with the big hit.