Cards on a Roll

The St. Louis Cardinals are a fun team to watch.  No one could have predicted the club to be in the position they’re in.  After winning the first two games of the second half, the Cards are 12 games over .500, at 55-43, trailing the division leading Chicago Cubs by only 3 games.  The Small Bears are the only team in the National League with a better record than the Cardinals.

The San Diego series started with another gem from starter Kyle Lohse.  He’s now 12-2, with a 3.35 ERA, and as close to automatic as you can get.  Rick Ankiel and Joe Mather each hit a home run, while Troy Glaus hit a pair.  The Cards won last night 4-3.

Game two was back and forth.  Braden Looper was knocked around for six runs in three-plus innings, but the Cards were able to get to Maddux as well.  Ankiel and Ryan Ludwick each hit their 22nd home runs and collected three RBI a piece.  The Cards practiced what Tony La Russa preaches, played a hard nine, and scored 11 runs on 17 hits, winning it by 4.  Here’s the full recap and box score.

Poised to win the series tomorrow afternoon, the Redbirds will send Todd Wellemeyer to the mound to face lefty Randy Wolf.  Jaime Garcia is scheduled to make his first Major League start on Sunday.

The Cards made a couple of roster moves prior to tonight’s game.  Randy Flores was activated from the disabled list and Joe Mather was sent back to Memphis.  Also, Kelvin Jimenez traded places with Chris Perez.  Lee Hurwitz has more on the story.