Losing Continues

After getting swept by the Astros in Houston, the Cardinals headed into Arizona hoping to get back on track. Instead, they squandered another early lead, and are pushing themselves out of the playoff hunt altogether.

Unlike the final game in Houston, the Cards brought their bats today, putting up five runs in the first two innings courtesy of home runs from Yadier Molina, Joe Mather, Albert Pujols, and Felipe Lopez.  They’d manage to put up only one more through the remaining seven innings, which wasn’t enough.

Anytime you score six runs and lose, you can’t fault the offense.  Cardinal starter Joel Pineiro gave up four runs in his five innings of work, but the bullpen gave the D-Backs four more.  I’ve beat up on the bullpen all year, and frankly, I’m tired of writing about their inability to get the job done.  You know the story.  Cards are winning.  Blown save.  Cards lose.

There was one performance from today’s game that stood out.  Arizona shortstop Stephen Drew went 5 for 5, and hit for the cycle.  Now there’s something you don’t see everyday.  Too bad he plays for the wrong team.  Here’s today’s box score.

Adam Wainwright will attempt to stop the bleeding tomorrow night.  He’ll be opposed by Yusmeiro Petit.  The Redbirds need wins.  Their elimination number for the Wild Card is now down to 19.  They have 24 games to play.

The Cardinals did make some roster moves today, but with more to come tomorrow, I think I’ll wait until then so I can post the complete list of September call-ups.

Finally, the St. Louis candidates for the Ford C. Frick Award have been announced, and Mike Shannon and Dan McLaughlin top the list.  Matthew Leach has the full story.