Rants Daily: Cardinals use 8-run third to crush Brewers, 13-1

The St. Louis Cardinals continue to make minced meat out of Yovani Gallardo. The Redbirds scored eight runs off Gallardo before he was knocked out in the third inning without getting an out, en route to a 13-1 victory.

There was a lot of congratulating in last night’s 13-1 Cardinals win over the Brewers. (Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE)

In his two starts against the Cardinals this season, Gallardo has allowed 14 earned runs. His career marks against the Cards now stand at 1-9 with a 7.05 ERA. This is a pitcher who has won 44 games in the last three seasons. It safe to say the Cardinals have his number.

Jake Westbrook (3-1) gave up a first inning run on three hits. After that he completely shut down the Brewers offense. In seven total innings of work he surrendered five hits and walked one batter. He struck out five and his ERA is a remarkable 1.30 through four starts. He induced nine ground outs to two fly outs during the game.

Jon Jay was back in the game in center field and rapped out three hits and drove in three runs. Matt Holliday went 3-for-3 with 2 RBIs. Skip Schumaker, who started at second base, singled and tripled with two runs scored and three RBIs.

NOTEWORTHY

• According to Jenifer Langosch Mike Matheny officially has a three-man system at second base, read my comments here on this.
• Scott Linebrink has begun throwing, tossing 25 fastballs in a session yesterday according to Langosch.
• Allen Craig, who earlier this week shifted his rehab assignment to Triple-A Memphis, is 3-for-9 in two games.
• Lance Berkman has yet to begin strenuous activity.

TODAY’S GAME

Kyle Loshe looks to continue the Cardinals early season dominance over the Brewers today. He’ll be opposed by Marco Estrada.

MY TWO CENTS

For what it’s worth, the Cardinals can send a message with a sweep of the Brewers this weekend.

While the Brew Crew may not be as potent an offense without Prince Fielder, they still have plenty of pieces to make a mark on opposing pitchers. They came into the season with a better than average rotation and have arguably one of the best eighth and ninth inning combinations in the game. But, they can’t seem to solve the Redbirds in 2012.

The Cardinals need to take advantage of that and continue to assault Brewers pitching. If the offense continues to batter Milwaukee’s starters then it alleviates any pressure for the Cardinals front men.

Speaking of the Cardinals rotation, it has been better than anyone could have predicted and they’ve had Milwaukee’s number early on this season.

This is more than just about wins. It is about psyche. Do you think that Gallardo wants to pitch against the Cardinals again? Sure, he’ll put on the competitive face and say all the right things, but how in the back of his mind can he not think about the record he has against the Redbirds. These aren’t sore luck losses either.

Turn that same mindset to an entire team. If the Cardinals can sweep this series, doesn’t it put some added pressure on the Brewers? Wouldn’t it be nice to get under the skin of one of your tougher competitors? The opportunity sits right in from of them. Will the Cardinals take control of it?

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