Miller struggles in loss to Padres

Cardinals rookie pitcher Shelby Miller struggled last night against the San Diego Padres. The St. Louis Cardinals went on to lose 4-2 in the first game back on the West Coast.
May 20, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Shelby Miller (40) throws during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Image Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Miller pitched into the 6th inning but was pulled after giving up two walks in the inning. In 5.2 innings, he allowed 5 hits, 3 runs, walked 3, and struck out 5. In doing so, he raised his ERA from 1.40 to 1.74 this season. This places him further behind National League ERA leader Clayton Kershaw‘s 1.35 ERA. Miller is still in the top ten as his ERA is ranked 5th, ahead of teammate Adam Wainwright‘s 9th place 2.51 ERA.

Miller was replaced on the mound by Fernando Salas, who ended up giving up two runs in the inning.

Mitchell Boggs pitched the 7th and 8th innings for the Cardinals. In two innings, he allowed a solo home run.

Offensively, the Cardinals just could not get it done last night. Only two runs were scored. Yadier Molina scored in the top of the second inning when Miller reached on a fielding error by Padres third baseman Chase Headley. In the third inning, Carlos Beltran scored when Allen Craig grounded into a 4-6-3 double play.

Jon Jay had two hits on the night, raising his batting average to .285 this season. Jay his hitting .343 in his last ten games, getting a hit in all but two games.