Get the Brooms Ready

A dramatic come from behind win yesterday has put the Cardinals in position to sweep the Padres in today’s fourth and final game of the series.

Todd Wellemeyer got off to a rocky start, allowing five runs in the first two frames, but settled in and lasted 6.1 innings, earning him the win.  He’s now 8-4, with a 4.22 ERA.  Both Randy Flores and Russ Springer failed to record an out, but Ron Villone came in to put out the fire in the sixth.  Ryan Franklin earned his fourteenth save, pitching the final two innings.

The Cards were trailing 5-0 into the fifth, where they plated four.  They added the tying and go-ahead runs in the sixth.  Albert Pujols stole the show with his four RBI.  Rick Ankiel and Skip Schumaker each drove in a run as well.  6-5 was the final.  Here’s the complete box score.

Rookie left-hander Jaime Garcia will get his first Major League start today, hoping to help the Cardinals earn the sweep.  He’s made only one other appearance so far, pitching two innings in relief on July 11 in Pittsburgh, three days after his 22nd birthday.  He allowed one hit, one walk, and struck out two.  Larry at Viva El Birdos has a nice piece on Garcia and the Cardinals lack of success with left-handers up today.  Find it here.  I’m rooting for the kid.  If he can impress down the stretch, or at least until Adam Wainwright’s return, he may find himself auditioning for a larger role with the club next spring.

We’re about an hour and a half from game time.  Here’s the Cards’ lineup, per Derrick Goold:

1.  Skip Schumaker  LF
2.  Aaron Miles  SS
3.  Ryan Ludwick  RF
4.  Rick Ankiel  CF
5.  Troy Glaus  3B
6.  Chris Duncan  1B
7.  Jason LaRue  C
8.  Jaime Garcia  P
9.  Adam Kennedy  2B

So, looks like Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Cesar Izturis all get the day off.  No big deal. Should still be a winner!