Losing Continues
Written by Mike on September 1, 2008 – 8:05 pm -
After getting swept by the Astros in Houston, the Cardinals headed into Arizona hoping to get back on track. Instead, they squandered another early lead, and are pushing themselves out of the playoff hunt altogether.
Unlike the final game in Houston, the Cards brought their bats today, putting up five runs in the first two innings courtesy of home runs from Yadier Molina, Joe Mather, Albert Pujols, and Felipe Lopez. They’d manage to put up only one more through the remaining seven innings, which wasn’t enough.
Anytime you score six runs and lose, you can’t fault the offense. Cardinal starter Joel Pineiro gave up four runs in his five innings of work, but the bullpen gave the D-Backs four more. I’ve beat up on the bullpen all year, and frankly, I’m tired of writing about their inability to get the job done. You know the story. Cards are winning. Blown save. Cards lose.
There was one performance from today’s game that stood out. Arizona shortstop Stephen Drew went 5 for 5, and hit for the cycle. Now there’s something you don’t see everyday. Too bad he plays for the wrong team. Here’s today’s box score.
Adam Wainwright will attempt to stop the bleeding tomorrow night. He’ll be opposed by Yusmeiro Petit. The Redbirds need wins. Their elimination number for the Wild Card is now down to 19. They have 24 games to play.
The Cardinals did make some roster moves today, but with more to come tomorrow, I think I’ll wait until then so I can post the complete list of September call-ups.
Finally, the St. Louis candidates for the Ford C. Frick Award have been announced, and Mike Shannon and Dan McLaughlin top the list. Matthew Leach has the full story.
Four Straight Wins
Written by Mike on August 16, 2008 – 7:59 pm -
With a fine performance from Cardinal starter Joel Pineiro, and four home runs from the supporting cast, the Cardinals picked up a decisive win against the Reds in Cincinnati.
Pineiro earned his third win in as many starts with six strong innings. He allowed 3 runs on 7 hits, and struck out 6 without issuing a walk. Jason Isringhausen, Russ Springer, and Ron Villone each pitched a scoreless inning in relief.
Skip Schumaker and Ryan Ludwick each had a home run, while Albert Pujols hit a pair. 9-3 was the final score. Here’s the complete box score.
You can bet I switched over to the Cubs/Marlins game as soon as the Cardinals recorded the final out. Wouldn’t you know, Kevin Gregg was in trouble again in the ninth, clinging to a one run lead. The Fish prevailed this time, so St. Louis picks up a full game in the standings.
I mentioned yesterday that Adam Wainwright was scheduled to pitch tonight for the Springfield Cardinals. As Matthew Leach reports, the outing went well.
The Cards will go for the sweep tomorrow afternoon with Kyle Lohse on the mound. The Reds will hand the ball to All-Star Edinson Volquez. I’m anxious to see if Tony La Russa uses his typical “getaway day lineup”, or sticks with the big guns due to the off day on Monday. I’ll have a pre-game post up early tomorrow after the lineups are announced. Already at 6-3, a Cardinal win would put an exclamation point on a very successful road trip.
Young Arms Make it Three in a Row
Written by Mike on August 15, 2008 – 7:53 pm -The Cardinals began a three game series with the Reds tonight in Cincinnati, the third city of their ten game road trip. After taking three of four from the Marlins, the Cards looked to keep things rolling at Great American Ballpark.
Brad Thompson got the start in place of the injured Chris Carpenter. Despite giving up a leadoff home run to his first batter, Thompson pitched fairly well. He lasted five innings to notch the win, allowing 3 runs, on 3 hits, while striking out 4. One of the runs was unearned. Jaime Garcia, Kyle McClellan, Ron Villone, and Chris Perez combined for four scoreless innings, with Perez earning his fourth save.
The Cards scored five runs spread across four innings, including a two run homer off the bat of Rick Ankiel in the first. Albert Pujols and Felipe Lopez were each on base three times, and Jason LaRue got in on the action with a pair of RBI.
St. Louis out hit Cincinnati 10-5, and won the game 5-3. Here’s the full recap and box score. The Cards are 5-3 so far on this road trip, which includes winning the last three straight ball games. They improve to 13 games over .500, at 69-56, with 37 games left in the season. They gained no ground on the Cubs, when Florida’s closer Kevin Gregg blew a two run lead in the ninth, giving Chicago another win. The Cards still trail Milwaukee by three games in the Wild Card race, with a chance to pick up a half-game if the Brewers lose in L.A. tonight.
It looks like Carpenter will miss at least one more start, as he was placed on the 15-day DL today, retroactive to his last appearance. Brian Barton takes his place on the roster. Joe Strauss has the full story.
Maybe a healthy Adam Wainwright can be the shot in the arm this team needs to have an extended run. He’ll make what could be his final rehab start tomorrow night for AA Springfield. With Carpenter out again, and Perez making the most of his late inning chances, I’m hoping to see Adam in the rotation.
Joel Pineiro will get the ball in game two of the series in Cincinnati tomorrow night. The Reds will counter with Aaron Harang. Let’s make it four in a row!
No Reason to Fold
Written by Mike on August 10, 2008 – 8:21 pm -Not much has gone right for the St. Louis Cardinals lately. After losing tonight’s series finale against the rival Chicago Cubs, the Cards fall to 65-55, and 7 games back in the division standings, 3 behind the Brewers for the Wild Card. Since sweeping the Padres in San Diego in the first series after the All-Star break, the Cards have gone 8-12, while the teams they’re trailing have continued to play good baseball.
In tonight’s game, staff ace Chris Carpenter was removed in the sixth inning after experiencing some tricept discomfort. Matthew Leach has more on that story. The Cards went on to lose the game 6-2. Here’s the full recap and box score.
Already Adam Wainwright has been out for an extended period, and we hope that Carpenter’s injury isn’t serious. But even without their pair of aces, the Cards have no reason to fold.
There are still 41 games left in the season, and the Cards have six more games with the Cubs, and two against the Brewers. A lot can happen between now and October, and if the Cardinals want a chance at the playoffs, they’ll have to step up their game the rest of the way.
Tomorrow night is game one of a four game series against the Florida Marlins, where Joel Pineiro will face Anibal Sanchez. Since I’m only about 15 minutes from Dolphins Stadium, you can bet that I’ll be there, decked out in Cardinal red, cheering on the visiting team.
Pujols Powers Cards Past Dodgers
Written by Mike on August 6, 2008 – 9:15 pm -
After an extra innings win to combat another blown save in the first game of the series last night, the Cardinals poured on the offense and shut the door on the Dodgers in game two tonight.
The star of the game was Albert Pujols, who reached base in all five of his plate appearances, going 4 for 4 with a walk. His hits included a pair of singles, a double, and a grand slam. Keeping pace was the hot hitting Ryan Ludwick, who had three hits of his own, including going back to back with Albert in the fourth with his team leading 29th home run. The two sluggers combined for six RBI. Ludwick also leads the club in that category with 82, and has homered in five consecutive games, tying a franchise record.
The newest Cardinal, Felipe Lopez, made his debut in left field. He was 1 for 3 before being lifted for Joe Mather.
Joel Pineiro earned the win, his fourth of the season, lasting seven innings despite allowing three runs in the first three innings. Completely opposite of his ‘08 trends, Pineiro got better as the game went on. Brad Thompson was terrible in relief, but recently promoted Chris Perez was able to get the final five outs for the first big league save of his career. Saves have illuded the Cardinal bullpen most of the year, so seeing Perez shut the Dodgers down in the ninth was a pleasant surprise.
The final score was 9-6. Here’s the full recap and box score.
Finally, a bit of housekeeping. I want to apologize for the lack of action here on the site during the last two weeks. At first, I had a dreadful schedule at work, finishing a job for none other than Dontrelle Willis. I planned on only missing two or three days of posting, but then lost my internet connection at home. Anyway, I’m finally reconnected to the electronic world, so I’ll be back to posting daily. Be sure to visit often.
Kyle Lohse is on the hill tomorrow as the Cards go for the sweep. The Dodgers give the ball to the lefty Clayton Kershaw. From there, the schedule doesn’t get any easier, as the Redbirds will travel to Chicago for three before coming down to my neck of the woods for four against the Fish.
Mulder Removed After Just 16 Pitches
Written by Mike on July 9, 2008 – 8:48 pm -
I’m back! My trip to St. Louis over the holiday weekend was awesome. I got to watch some Cards/Cubs baseball, drink lots of beer, and hang out with some family and friends. I’ll talk more about the trip later.
For now, after a very impressive start from Joel Pineiro in last night’s win over the Phillies, the Cardinals dropped game two of the series 4-2. The buzz about tonight’s game, however, isn’t really about the loss. Instead, as the title reads, Mark Mulder, getting his first start since September of 2007, lasted just a third of an inning before experiencing some discomfort in his twice repaired left shoulder. After striking out Jimmy Rollins to lead off the game, Mulder walked the next two, and was hitting the showers after only 16 pitches. He’ll be reevaluated tomorrow. Is this the end for Mark? I guess we’ll find out soon.
Tony La Russa opted for Brad Thompson out the pen to fill in with two on and one out in the first. Thompson got Phillies’ slugger Ryan Howard to ground into an inning ending double play, and continued his effective pitching into the fourth. The Phillies hit two solo home runs in the eight to take the lead, one off of each of Kyle McClellan and Chris Perez. Brad Lidge continued his dominance with the save for Philadelphia in the ninth.
The Cardinals’ offense had their chances throughout the night, but couldn’t come through. They scored two in the fifth, courtesy of an Albert Pujols sac fly and an RBI single from Troy Glaus. The Cardinals left 12 men on base. Here’s the complete box score.
There’s plenty more news floating around Cardinal Nation, including the recent trades made by the other two NL Central contenders. The Brewers acquired the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia, and the Cubs traded for Rich Harden. Each of the moves makes the teams much stronger, while making the Cards look inferior, especially after the situation with Mulder tonight. La Russa is hopeful that John Mozeliak and the front office won’t sit back and let Cardinals fall from the race without help. Matthew Leach has the full story.
By now you’ve heard that a pair of Cardinals are headed to New York later this month for the All Star game. Ryan Ludwick will be making his first appearance, while this is the seventh time for Albert Pujols.
That’s it for tonight. I’ll discuss more tomorrow. Game three from Philly features Jamie Moyer and Braden Looper. The Cards need a win, as they now trail Chicago by 4.5, and lead Milwaukee by only a half-game.
Mets Take Game Two
Written by Mike on July 1, 2008 – 8:44 pm -Clearly, Cardinal starter Todd Wellemeyer was out of whack tonight in the second of four games against the Mets. He couldn’t command any of his pitches, and the New York hitters were sitting on his fastball. Wellemeyer labored through five innings on 98 pitches, allowing 6 runs on 12 hits.
Brad Thompson came in to pitch in the sixth, and promptly gave up a home run to David Wright. Later, Thompson popped up a sacrifice attempt that took the wind out of the rally sails. Just when I thought his suckiness would continue, Brad cruised through the final three innings unscathed, and has earned a temporary pass from my verbal hazing.
The Cardinals managed to score four runs, including a two-run homer from Rick Ankiel in the first. Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly enough to overcome the weak showing from Wellemeyer. The final was 7-4. Here’s the complete box score.
The organization has signed their first round draft pick, Brett Wallace. He spent the day at Busch Stadium today, meeting some of the players and taking batting practice. I’ll have more on Wallace tomorrow, but for now, check out Brain Walton’s article on the young slugger.
Game three of the series tomorrow night, where it’s Joel Pineiro against Pedro Martinez. Should be a good one.
Take 5
Written by Mike on June 27, 2008 – 8:04 pm -Well the Cardinals couldn’t get it done against the Royals in their first four opportunities, so they’ll try again tomorrow.
Tonight was game one of the series in Kansas City, and although the action was a little different from the three games in St. Louis, the outcome was the same. The Royals won. Yeah, the Royals. Joel Pineiro pitched for the Cards, and wasn’t very sharp. On the plus side, he did go deep into the game, allowing some much needed rest for the relief crew. Pineiro lasted 7.2 innings, allowing 7 runs on 10 hits. The final score was 7-2. Here’s the full recap and box score.
The Cardinals made a roster move today. The long awaited return of Mark Mulder has finally arrived, although not as originally planned. Upon activation, Mulder was sent to the Cardinals’ bullpen, where we’ll wait to see his first ever relief appearance. Mike Parisi was sent back to AAA Memphis.
So the fifth take in the I-70 series is tomorrow night. After three straight losses, the Cardinals will look to rookie Mitchell Boggs to turn things around. Kyle Davies will pitch for Kansas City. How about a win?
What a Game!
Written by Mike on June 22, 2008 – 9:28 pm -After rolling Dice K in yesterday’s romping of the Red Sox, the Cardinals were going for the sweep today at Fenway. With Joel Pineiro and Jon Lester as the scheduled starters, and Albert Pujols and David Ortiz on the DL, who’d have guessed we were in for such an entertaining game.
The two starting pitchers matched each other frame after frame, shutting out the offenses for five innings a piece, before Brian Barton and Ryan Ludwick each drove in a run for the Cardinals in the sixth. The Sox took the lead in the eighth after a lead-off triple, a sac fly, a base hit, and three walks. Chris Perez was charged with the blown save. I remember feeling bad for Pineiro, and thinking that was the end. Surely, the Cards wouldn’t stand a chance in the ninth against Jonathan Papelbon.
A pinch hitting Chris Duncan drew the first walk of the season issued by Papelbon at home. Then perhaps the most unlikely candidate for heroism, Adam Kennedy, drove in Duncan with a pinch hit double. Game tied!
The relief team of Russ Springer, Kyle McClellan, Jason Isringhausen, and Ron Villone each pitched a scoreless inning despite giving the Red Sox plenty of opportunities for a walk-off win. The ninth through twelfth innings had a desperate, playoff feel. I was on the edge of my seat for each of the bottom halves.
Kevin Youkilis hit a two run homer off of Mike Parisi in the bottom of the thirteenth to win it for Boston. It was his second home run of the day. 5-3 was the final. Here’s the complete box score.
Sure, it would have been much nicer if the Cardinals would have won it, but I enjoyed the loss more than any other loss in recent memory. The game was intense. Very intense. Here we are still a few weeks away from the All-Star break, and an interleague game feels like game seven of the World Series.
This one had everything. From great pitching, too poor pitching. From spectacular defense, to some routine misplays. From small ball to long ball. All day, both managers tried to outwit one another. It had that October excitement throughout.
Up next, the Cardinals head to Detroit to start a three game series with the Tigers. I don’t know what’s in store, but it’s going to be damn near impossible to top this one.
Series Preview - Royals @ Cards
Written by Mike on June 17, 2008 – 3:39 pm -Tonight the Cardinals open a series at home against the cross-state Kansas City Royals. KC comes in with a 28-42 record, good enough for the second worst record in baseball. St. Louis still maintains the second best record in the National League at 42-29, trailing the Chicago Cubs by 3.5 games. The Baby Bears begin a series in Tampa Bay tonight, so this seems like a good opportunity for the Cardinals to gain some ground before heading off to Boston.
Joel Pineiro makes the start tonight for the Cards, with Kyle Davies starting for Kansas City. Tomorrow night it’s Braden Looper against Brian Bannister, and Todd Wellemeyer and Zach Greinke scheduled for Thursday. Wellemeyer’s start is still in question after feeling more arm discomfort in his last time out. Looper is coming off one of his best starts. His new approach and slower delivery helped him to his first career shutout last Wednesday.
Here are tonight’s lineups, courtesy of Rick Hummel:
Kansas City
- David DeJesus CF
- Mike Aviles SS
- Alex Gordon 3B
- Jose Guillen LF
- Mark Grudzielanek 2B
- Mark Teahen RF
- Miguel Olivo C
- Ross Gload 1B
- Kyle Davies P
St. Louis
- Skip Schumaker LF
- Brendan Ryan 2B
- Ryan Ludwick RF
- Rick Ankiel CF
- Troy Glaus 3B
- Chris Duncan 1B
- Jason LaRue C
- Joel Pineiro P
- Cesar Izturis SS
So with a lot of Birds mending their wings (or other various body parts), a lowly team like the Royals is a welcome site at Busch. Let’s win another series boys!
