Pujols Powers Cards Past Dodgers

After an extra innings win to combat another blown save in the first game of the series last night, the Cardinals poured on the offense and shut the door on the Dodgers in game two tonight.

The star of the game was Albert Pujols, who reached base in all five of his plate appearances, going 4 for 4 with a walk.  His hits included a pair of singles, a double, and a grand slam.  Keeping pace was the hot hitting Ryan Ludwick, who had three hits of his own, including going back to back with Albert in the fourth with his team leading 29th home run.  The two sluggers combined for six RBI. Ludwick also leads the club in that category with 82, and has homered in five consecutive games, tying a franchise record.

The newest Cardinal, Felipe Lopez, made his debut in left field.  He was 1 for 3 before being lifted for Joe Mather.

Joel Pineiro earned the win, his fourth of the season, lasting seven innings despite allowing three runs in the first three innings.  Completely opposite of his ’08 trends, Pineiro got better as the game went on.  Brad Thompson was terrible in relief, but recently promoted Chris Perez was able to get the final five outs for the first big league save of his career.  Saves have illuded the Cardinal bullpen most of the year, so seeing Perez shut the Dodgers down in the ninth was a pleasant surprise.

The final score was 9-6.  Here’s the full recap and box score.

Finally, a bit of housekeeping.  I want to apologize for the lack of action here on the site during the last two weeks.  At first, I had a dreadful schedule at work, finishing a job for none other than Dontrelle Willis.  I planned on only missing two or three days of posting, but then lost my internet connection at home.  Anyway, I’m finally reconnected to the electronic world, so I’ll be back to posting daily.  Be sure to visit often.

Kyle Lohse is on the hill tomorrow as the Cards go for the sweep.  The Dodgers give the ball to the lefty Clayton Kershaw.  From there, the schedule doesn’t get any easier, as the Redbirds will travel to Chicago for three before coming down to my neck of the woods for four against the Fish.