The Chicago Cubs have stumbled out of the gate at 2-5 and aren't exactly putting a spark in their fan base, but they can get back in the good graces of loyal Cub fans with a strong series against the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend. The Cards have spent their season on the road up until this point, posting a 5-2 record, but now they finally get a chance to wow the home crowd in their home opener.

The Cubs turn to Jeff Samardzija, who sparkled in his first start by limiting the Nationals to one run on three hits in 8.2 innings last Sunday. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are still working Adam Wainwright back into the mix as he tries to make a comeback from reconstructive elbow surgery. St. Louis may be without Lance Berkman, who is dealing with a calf injury and says he's dealing with soreness (via MLB.com):

"It's a little sore this morning. It's probably not playable. We'll just have to wait to see how it responds. [Thursday] is an off-day, so that's good."

#Cubs lineup @Cardinals 4/13: DeJesus RF, Barney 2B, Castro SS, Soriano LF, Stewart 3B, LaHair 1B, Soto C, Byrd CF, Samardzija P

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 13, 2012

Here is the key information for today's game.

Date / Time: 2:15 PM CT, Friday, April 13, 2012

Location: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

Starting Pitchers: Jeff Samardzija (1-0, 1.04 ERA) vs. Adam Wainwright (0-1, 4.76 ERA)

TV: MLB Network, WGN

Radio: AM 720 WGN

Streaming: MLB.tv

For more on this series, stay with SB Nation Chicago. For more on the Cubs, visit Bleed Cubbie Blue, while Cardinals news is available at Viva El Birdos. Check out MLB Daily Dish for off-season rumors and reports, and for more news and notes from around baseball, visit Baseball Nation.

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