Daily Rant: Motte blows close game; Cardinals lose the sweep

The Cardinals had the opportunity to close out a season sweep of the Diamondbacks on Thursday night, but could only muster one run against Arizona’s stingy pitching. Jason Motte came into the ninth with a meager one run cushion and couldn’t close the door.

Box Score

The Positives

• Allen Craig hit an RBI single to drive in the Cardinals only run.
• David Freese picked up two singles.
• Tony Cruz hit a single.
• Rafael Furcal hit a single and a double.
• Kyle Lohse continues to be the Cardinals most consistent starting pitcher. He hurled six and two thirds shutout innings, while only giving up four hits and three walks. He also scored the Cardinals only run.
• Marc Rzepczynski, Mitchell Boggs, and Fernando Salas combined for one and two thirds perfect frames of baseball.

Justin’s Jeers

• Jason Motte couldn’t close the door on a 1-0 lead. He gave up two solo shots in the top of the ninth to cough up the lead and cost the Cardinals the game.
• Jon Jay, Matt Holliday, Carlos Beltran, and Daniel Descalso were all held hitless.

Three Stars

3) Rafael Furcal – Furcal had a two hit night, but didn’t get much help offensively.

2) Allen Craig – Craig drove in the Cardinals only run

1) Kyle Lohse – Lohse pitched a gem, but didn’t get any run support.

Standings