Redbird Roundup: Cardinals nearly no-hit by Corey Kluber

After pouring it on late in the series opener, the St. Louis Cardinals’ offense was stagnant in Wednesday’s matchup with the Cleveland Indians and right-handed ace Corey Kluber, who struck out 18 batters in eight innings – the most in a big league game in over a decade.

The loss was St. Louis’ tenth of the season, making them the final team to hit double-digit losses this year. Kluber’s counterpart, John Lackey, was nearly as dominant. He allowed two first-inning runs before pitching into the sixth without allowing another tally. As a team, the Cardinals managed just one lowly base hit – a knock by Jhonny Peralta in the late innings.

In other news around the league, pitching was on full-display at Wrigley Field where Matt Harvey and Jason Hammel batted as the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets did battle Wednesday night, rookie Michael Taylor hit a game-winning grand-slam for the Washington Nationals after being brought in as Bryce Harper‘s replacement in the contest. Harper was ejected earlier in the contest after arguing with the home plate umpire about the lack of an appeal on a check-swing.

We also took a look at what lies ahead for the St. Louis organization once Yadier Molina is done behind the dish – namely the lack of internal options at this point in time – in an in-depth feature piece last night.

Here’s the latest from around the league:

“Cardinals KO’d by Kluber’s Ks” – Redbird Rants

“Taylor’s grand slam lifts Nats to a win” – District on Deck

“Posada says cheaters not meant for the Hall” – Yanks Go Yard

“The latest FanSided MLB Power Rankings” – FanSided

“Looking to the post-Molina era in St. Louis” – Redbird Rants

Next: Cardinals should let Heyward walk after this season