Michael Wacha solid, St. Louis Cardinals lose 1-0 to Reds in walk-off
Michael Wacha was solid tonight but the St. Louis Cardinals fell in a 1-0 walk-off to the Cincinnati Reds during the second game of the young 2014 season.
Apr 2, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) pitches during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Image Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
In 6 2/3 innings, Wacha pitched a gem of a game against the newly crowned Cardinals rivals. He allowed three hits, one walk, and struck out seven batters in a game delayed 2:40 by rain. In his young career so far, Wacha has pitched 16 2/3 innings against the Reds and has yet to allow a run. In addition to having a 0.00 ERA against the Reds, he has struck out 17 batters.
Carlos Martinez came in to pitch at the start of the 8th inning and would stay in for the rest of the game. In 1 1/3 innings, Martinez allowed three hits, one run, two walks (one IBB), and no strikeouts. He is sitting on a 4.50 ERA for now but that will most definitely drop throughout the season.
Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton has yet to figure out Cardinals pitching as the Reds rookie outfielder has gone hit-less in two consecutive games. In his defense, he was facing the heart of the Cardinals rotation in Adam Wainwright and Wacha. Unfortunately for Hamilton and fortunately for the Cardinals, there will be many games played between the two clubs.
Offensively, the Cardinals just never got things going tonight. There were a few liners ripped by the found gloves. Reds shortstop Zack Cozart looked as if he were the second coming of Reds Hall of Famer Barry Larkin when he robbed Matt Carpenter of not only a base hit but what would surely have been an RBI. It came moments after second baseman Kolten Wong smashed one to deep center. Hamilton, playing shallow, was unable to get to the ball in time and Wong nearly could have taken third base but played it safe for a double.
The Cards were limited to three hits overall: Carpenter, Wong, and Allen Craig.