Ryan Franklin picked up a save in the Cardinals' win over the Marlins on Thursday night. Chris Perez had thrown 33 pitches while picking up a save the previous night, which is likely why he wasn't used in tonight's game. Perez remains the prime candidate to receive save chances for the Cards.Related: Chris Perez

The Cardinals bullpen suffered another beat down on Friday as Ryan Franklin picked up his fifth loss after allowing a run to the Cubs in the 11th inning without recording an out.Franklin worked a scoreless 10th, but couldn't get it done in the 11th. His last eight appearances have resulted in three loses and three blown saves. He is a mess right now.

Ryan Franklin took the loss for the Cardinals on Friday after giving up Henry Blanco's game-winning hit in the 11th. Chris Perez worked a scoreless ninth, and Franklin pitched a perfect 10th in a tie game. However, Franklin didn't get a single out in the 11th. Derrek Lee walked and Aramis Ramirez singled, putting runners on the corners. After Kosuke Fukudome was intentionally walked to load the bases, Blanco singled to end it. It was the third loss Franklin has taken in his last eight appearances. He might be behind both Perez and Jason Isringhausen in the pecking order for save chances at this point.