Holliday comes through, Cards retake first place

Matt Holliday roped a double to left to drive in the winning run in the second inning Thursday against the Florida Marlins. Holliday’s double was the big hit in the Cards three-run second that gave them a 4-2 lead. St. Louis would win the game by that score and take over first place in the division.

It was his first extra-base hit with men in scoring position since April 7, according to MLB.com. If he can turn it on, the Cards may be ready to take off. Albert Pujols said earlier this month that the Cards hadn’t scratched the surface of their potential this season. Holliday is a major factor in how well the Cards can play. He has been an MVP-caliber player in the past. Perhaps he’ll heat up along with the summer months.

Brendan Ryan started the rally with a single. He has also fallen on some hard times this year, but he has proven to be better than his numbers indicate.

David Freese and Ryan Ludwick are some of the Cards that have been hot all year. They kept it going yesterday by driving in the Redbirds first two runs of the game.

Adam Wainwright got the job done on the mound with his curve, striking out eight in seven innings. He allowed just two runs, both coming in the first. After that, he was dominant.

It was a big win for the Cards as they head into interleague play with the Angels.

Brooks Conrad may the win even bigger. The Atlanta Braves bench player hit a walk-off grand slam to stun the Reds 10-9. The slam hit off Laynce Nix’s glove in left and over the wall.

The unlucky day for Cincinnati ended their party in first for at least a day.

The Cards could be prepared for a push to leave the Reds behind. Matt Holliday will need to be a leader of the charge.