Young Arms Make it Three in a Row

The Cardinals began a three game series with the Reds tonight in Cincinnati, the third city of their ten game road trip.  After taking three of four from the Marlins, the Cards looked to keep things rolling at Great American Ballpark.

Brad Thompson got the start in place of the injured Chris Carpenter.  Despite giving up a leadoff home run to his first batter, Thompson pitched fairly well.  He lasted five innings to notch the win, allowing 3 runs, on 3 hits, while striking out 4.  One of the runs was unearned.  Jaime Garcia, Kyle McClellan, Ron Villone, and Chris Perez combined for four scoreless innings, with Perez earning his fourth save.

The Cards scored five runs spread across four innings, including a two run homer off the bat of Rick Ankiel in the first.  Albert Pujols and Felipe Lopez were each on base three times, and Jason LaRue got in on the action with a pair of RBI.

St. Louis out hit Cincinnati 10-5, and won the game 5-3.  Here’s the full recap and box score.  The Cards are 5-3 so far on this road trip, which includes winning the last three straight ball games.  They improve to 13 games over .500, at 69-56, with 37 games left in the season.  They gained no ground on the Cubs, when Florida’s closer Kevin Gregg blew a two run lead in the ninth, giving Chicago another win.  The Cards still trail Milwaukee by three games in the Wild Card race, with a chance to pick up a half-game if the Brewers lose in L.A. tonight.

It looks like Carpenter will miss at least one more start, as he was placed on the 15-day DL today, retroactive to his last appearance.  Brian Barton takes his place on the roster.  Joe Strauss has the full story.

Maybe a healthy Adam Wainwright can be the shot in the arm this team needs to have an extended run.  He’ll make what could be his final rehab start tomorrow night for AA Springfield.  With Carpenter out again, and Perez making the most of his late inning chances, I’m hoping to see Adam in the rotation.

Joel Pineiro will get the ball in game two of the series in Cincinnati tomorrow night. The Reds will counter with Aaron Harang.  Let’s make it four in a row!