St. Louis Cardinals hold off San Diego Padres in 9-6 win

In the first game back since the All-Star break started following Sunday’s game, the St. Louis Cardinals held off the San Diego Padres in a 9-6 victory.
Jul 19, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Jake Westbrook (35) is congratulated by first baseman Allen Craig (21) after scoring on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Carlos Beltran (not pictured) during the third inning against the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium. Image Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jake Westbrook took the start against former Cardinals pitcher Jason Marquis on Friday night at Busch Stadium. Westbrook picked up his 6th win of the season but it didn’t come easy with the bullpen allowing 4 runs to score in the final 2 innings of the game.

Westbrook pitched 6.1 innings, allowing 8 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and struck out 1 batter. He helped himself at the plate with a 3 for 3 evening, scoring twice and driving in one runner. In one night, he raised his batting average from .100 to .217 for the season.

Had it not been for the Cardinals 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th inning, it would have been a long night for Cardinals fans. The bottom of the 7th saw the 3 insurance runs that the Cardinals would need later.

Matt Carpenter also had a great day at the plate. The All-Star second baseman was 3 for 4 at the plate with 1 run and 3 RBIs on the night. He also walked once.

The Cardinals, who bashed out 14 hits on the night, saw every player in the starting lineup get a hit except for center fielder Jon Jay.

Just when it seemed like the Cardinals would win the game, Fernando Salas came in to start the 8th inning. The reliever, just called up from Memphis gave up 2 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, and struck out 1 batter. This made it a 9-3 game.

Carlos Martinez was out on the mound to start the 9th inning. With the Cards leading 9-3, a win seemed for certain and there was no need to go to All-Star closer Edward Mujica. Not so fast. Martinez faced 5 batters before being pulled after giving up 3 hits, 3 runs, and 1 walk. Just like that, the Cardinals won the game 9-6 and those 3 runs scored in the 7th inning came in handy to preserve a victory.