Daily Rant: Cardinals can’t get offense going against James McDonald

The Cardinals had the opportunity to pull ahead of the Pirates in the Wild Card race but couldn’t get offense on James McDonald. With only four hits in the game, the Birds failed to support Jake Westbrook‘s quality start.

Box Score

The Positives

• Allen Craig hit his 26th double of the season.
• Carlos Beltran hit a single and scored the Cardinals only run.
• David Freese hit a single and his 21st double of the year.
• Jake Westbrook hurled seven and two thirds innings of one earned run baseball. He gave up six hits and six walks.
• Marc Rzepczynski and Fernando Salas combined to pitch a perfect inning and a third to close the game out.

Justin’s Jeers

• Jon Jay, Matt Holliday, Daniel Descalso, Tony Cruz, and Rafael Furcal were all held hitless. In total, the Cardinals squandered ten opportunities with runners on.

Three Stars

3) Fernando Salas – Salas pitched a perfect frame, but had no lead to protect

2) David Freese- Freese was the only offensive player that showed up.

1) Jake Westbrook – Westbrook pitched a gem, but the offense couldn’t back him up.

Standings