Cards’ missed chances precede tough call vs. Cubs

CHICAGO — The Cardinals had reason to be irritated with how things ended on Thursday, as video evidence seemed to back up Zach Duke’s claim that what was called a game-ending ball four should actually have been a game-continuing strike two.

But while they’ll never know how much longer the series opener may have stretched had home-plate umpire Ron Kulpa’s call been different, the Cardinals likely would not have been left to lament a 4-3, 11-inning loss had the club executed in various spots earlier.

“We had a shot just like they had, and they were able to pull something off,” manager Mike Matheny said of both teams’ 11th-inning, bases-loaded chances. “We had trouble coming through.”

It was more than not coming through, however, that stalled the team’s attempt to steal a series-opening victory. As has happened too often this season, the Cardinals also got in their own way. Those issues started in the sixth.

After stranding runners at third in three of the first five innings, starter Carlos Martinez let the sixth speed up on him. And by the time it was over, a two-run lead had morphed into a one-run deficit.

“Everything came together really quickly and it was good for them,” Martinez said. “They had good luck.”

The Cubs also had help.

Martinez inexplicably cut off a …

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