The Cardinals are getting closer to their third straight NL Central title. They did it by beating up on the Astros who find themselves slipping out of the playoff chace completely. There’s still more then two weeks left though, and a lot can happen.
Chris Carpenter is a vital cog to this team if the Cardinals are going to go anywhere come playoff time. On Monday, he showed that he can carry the team on his back. He threw a six hit shutout to start the series off and he’s still in the middle of the Cy Young race despite missing some time earlier in the year. Ron Belliard had a big day at the plate. He drove in four runs in the 7-0 win.
Tuesday’s game definitely had it’s share of drama. The Cardinals entered the bottom of the ninth down by a run and it was the MVP, Albert Pujols, who got it done again. His two run walk off double won it for the Cardinals and you’d have to think by now that Brad Lidge has nightmares about facing Pujols from time to time. Jeff Weaver was knocked around but lasted five innings. Brandon Looper picked up the win with two solid innings and he’s now 9-1.
The Cardinals couldn’t lock down the sweep yesterday though. The Cards managed only one run with Roy Oswalt on the mound and Jason Marquis was bombed in his one inning of work. If you’re looking for positives, the pen pitched really well. Eight innings and they gave up only one run.
Next up is three against the streaking Giants. They’ve tapered off this week but they were one of the hottest teams coming into their latest series with the Rockies.
