Daily Rant: Wainwright shuts down Astros

The Cardinals hosted soon-to-be AL West foes the Houston Astros on Tuesday night and the affair wasn’t as thrilling as their 19 inning marathon with Pittsburgh. Adam Wainwright continued to pitch like his old self in a complete game shutout.

Box Score

The Positives

• Jon Jay hit two singles and a double in a three hit performance. He drove in a run and scored another.
• Matt Carpenter hit his sixteenth double of the season.
• Matt Holliday hit a single and scored a run.
• Allen Craig hit a single and walked three times. He scored two of the Cardinals runs.
• David Freese hit a single and scored two runs as well.
• Yadier Molina had a three hit night and drove in two runs.
• Skip Schumaker hit a two RBI single.
• Rafael Furcal hit an RBI double and scored a run.
• Adam Wainwright cruised through nine innings against the Astros. He gave up five hits and a walk, but allowed no runs and fanned twelve batters.

Justin’s Jeers

• Matheny continues to play Ryan Jackson at second base. I understand that Furcal has the experience, but Jackson’s glove is far better than Furcal’s. If Jackson comes into a game, it should be at his natural position. Personally, I think one of the biggest issues with Tyler Greene is he was asked to play second, third, and center with almost no experience. The Cardinals management has this newfound love of turning every prospect into Aaron Miles and then people wonder why they hit like…well, Aaron Miles.

Three Stars

3) Jon Jay – Jay shined in a three hit performance.

2) Yadier Molina – Molina similarly had three hits, but also drove in two runs.

1) Adam Wainwright – Only one run was necessary as Wainwright shut down the opposition.

Standings