Former Cardinals Dustin May, JoJo Romero gave Brewers everything, but still couldn't clinch World Series

It was an awkward feeling when Dustin May got announced as the Milwaukee Brewers' Game 4 starter for the World Series. There was certainly pride to be had, as the former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher was being given the keys to a title shortly after rehabilitating his career with the franchise. Then again, he was trying to close out the Fall Classic for a division rival -- one who has dominated the Redbirds in recent years.

Working on a short leash, May did about as well as anyone could have expected given the pressure of the moment. He allowed just one run over three innings, striking out three without allowing a walk. Despite a little traffic on the basepaths, it was a solid start, one which positioned the Brewers well to finish off their sweep.

He came back out to start the fourth, subsequently giving up a leadoff single to Junior Caminero. At that point, May was taken out for another former Cardinal, JoJo Romero. The southpaw did allow Caminero to score as an inherited runner, though that only happened because third baseman David Hamilton made a boneheaded play at third base that resulted in a throwing error. Romero ultimately got out of his inning without allowing a hit or walk.

And that was that. With Hamilton hitting a reputation-saving homer in the top of the fifth to make up for his fielding mistake, the Cardinals' contingent on the Brewers had done their job, leaving the Crew's high-leverage relief group to take care of a tied game.

Unfortunately for Milwaukee, some extra-innings tomfoolery took place in the 12th, as another third-base error and ugly performance from Shane Drohan led to a Tampa Bay walk-off. Thus, the Brewers are still waiting to lift up their first World Series trophy, though not because of any fault from May or Romero.

Cardinals can now enjoy the fruits of their Dustin May trade without watching him clinch World Series for Brewers

Given how much history is working against the Rays, it's entirely unlikely that they're going to stop the Brewers from eventually winning this whole thing. By all accounts, Game 4 appears to be a momentary hiccup in their dominant march to a title.

Still, I'm pretty thankful that the Brewers weren't lifting May high above their shoulders following a sweep. It would have just felt wrong to see a former Cardinal celebrated in that way by an NL Central rival; at least now, whenever they do close this thing out, it'll be on the strength of their homegrown talent.

And, as a reminder to St. Louis fans who can't stand to watch a divisional foe win the Fall Classic, Alexander Frias and Josiah Ragsdale will be climbing top prospect rankings this offseason. No matter what celebrations May and Romero get to enjoy, that trade should age gracefully for the Redbirds.

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