St. Louis Cardinals fall 3-2, Michael Wacha strikes out 10

The St. Louis Cardinals fell 3-2 to the New York Mets on Wednesday night despite Michael Wacha striking out 10 batters through four innings.
Apr 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) works against the New York Mets during the third inning at Citi Field. Image Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Wacha was on a short leash tonight despite striking out ten batters. Don’t let that fool you. He’s still young and will work on his control issues in time. Unfortunately, two of his five walks last night came with the bases loaded. Walking runs in is the worst way to beat yourself. Just ask Carlos Marmol…he helped the Cards during the surge in September 2011. I don’t think the Cards make the postseason without his ninth inning meltdown.

Back to last night’s game. Wacha’s control issues aside, the offense is showing some signs of production. Granted, it feels like it’s only Matt Carpenter and Yadier Molina that are hitting the ball. Molina’s .367 batting average through Wednesday ranks fifth in the National League.

In the first inning, Carpenter scored on Molina’s double to give the Cards a 1-0 lead. This would be the only lead of the game.

In the 9th inning, Jon Jay scored the second run before Matt Carpenter was called out at the plate on a very close play. The call was challenged and the ruling on the field was upheld. It would have tied the game at 3 runs a piece.

Carpenter had a 4-for-5 night whole Molina was perfect with a 3-for-3 night at the plate and a walk. Carpenter hit his first double of the season. Molina hit two doubles for his fifth and sixth doubles this year.