Cards Can’t Sweep Reds

In the final game of both the series and the road trip, the Cardinals four game winning streak ended tonight with a 6-2 loss to Cincinnati.

In his first game back from the DL, Cardinal starter Joel Pineiro cruised through five innings with 70 pitches.  He allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, while striking out 6.  He yielded to the bullpen with the game tied at two.  After last night’s complete game shutout from Braden Looper, the relief crew should have been well rested.  Mark Worrell and Randy Flores struggled in the seventh as the Reds tacked on four more runs.

The only offense for the Redbirds was supplied by a two run homer from Troy Glaus in the fifth.  He now has 8 home runs and 40 RBI.  Perhaps the best news from the game was that no one got hurt.  Here’s the full recap and box score.

Thanks in part to a game tying home run from former Cardinal Jim Edmonds, the Chicago Cubs won in dramatic fashion earlier today.  Coupled with the Cardinals’ loss, the Cubs increased their lead in the division to 3.5 games.

The Cards are now back home for six games, beginning with a three game series against the NL East leading Philadelphia Phillies tomorrow night.  Todd Wellemeyer will get the start for St. Louis, and Kyle Kendrick for the Phils.  If Wellemeyer is at full strength, I like our chances.

Also, be sure to check out Random Forgotten Player of the Day, where today they profiled former Cardinal Ray Lankford.  Don’t worry Ray, we still remember you!