Rants Daily: Cardinals beat Diamondbacks 7-2, earn first series sweep of season

There you go St. Louis Cardinals fans, the Redbirds were finally able to seal the deal on a series sweep last night with a victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

After four unsuccessful chances to sweep their opponent, the Cardinals finished off the D’backs with another impressive performance. Kyle Lohse worked around seven hits and a walk in five innings to earn his fifth win. It didn’t come without consequences. Lohse suffered a hamstring strain after an awkward jump into third base versus sliding as his hamstring cramped up on him. He was able to pitch the fifth inning, but due to continued cramping, Mike Matheny removed him from the ballgame.

It may have helped the Cardinals win the game in a weird sense, as it forced a pinch-hitter in Lohse’s spot in the lineup in the sixth. With two runners on base, Matt Carpenter hit for Lohse and doubled into the gap scoring David Freese and Tony Cruz. The hit gave the Cardinals a 3-1 lead.

Heading into the top of the ninth the Cardinals held a slim 3-2 lead. Diamondbacks closer J.J. Putz got the first two outs in the ninth quickly, but then got hit hard by the top of the order. Rafael Furcal and Carlos Beltran hit consecutive singles.  Matt Holliday came through with a two-run double and then Allen Craig followed with a two-run homer. This created a comfortable 7-2 lead.

That is until Mitchell Boggs entered the game. Boggs allowed the first three hitters to get on base, all by singles. That was the end of Boggs’ night and with the off-day today, Matheny decided to bring in Jason Motte to finish the game off. He did so by striking out Gerardo Parra and then coaxed a ground ball double play out of Willie Bloomquist to end the game. It was Motte’s sixth save of the season and the win moved the Cardinals to 20-11. They hold a 3.5 game lead over the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central.

INTERNATIONAL PROSPECT WORKS OUT FOR CARDS

According to MLB.com reporter Jenifer Langosch, the Cardinals recently held a workout for top international prospect Gustavo Cabrera at their facilities in the Domincan Republic. Cabrera is a 16 year-old outfielder.

MOLINA’S HAND IS OK

Yadier Molina has been diagnosed with a bruised hand after getting hit on the wrist by a 96-mph fastball on Tuesday. He was not in last night’s lineup and will be evaluated before tomorrow’s game to determine his availability.

NOTEWORTHY

• Lance Berkman is set to come off the DL tomorrow after being able to run without any issues.
• The Cardinals are off today and will be home to face the Atlanta Braves for a three-game series beginning tomorrow.
• Tomorrow’s game will begin at 7:25 PM CT as the festivities for former manager Tony La Russa’s number being retired will start at 7:00 PM CT.

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