Normally I’d be annoyed if the Cardinals lost even one game against the Pirates in a three game series, but in this day and age without Albert Pujols, taking two of three is acceptable. If we win series, we’ll win the division.
Tuesday’s game was pretty exciting. Chris Carpenter struck out 13 over seven innings in the Cardinals 2-1 win. Scott Rolen was key on both Cardinals runs. He drove in the first one, then scored the second in consecutive innings. In the process he went four for four.
You have to feel for Oliver Perez. This was probably his best start of the season, and his team scores one run, and even that was in the ninth inning. Speaking of the ninth, Jason Isringhausen got into trouble and gave up a run, but he buckled down and picked up his 21st save of the season.
Yesterday was the 9-7 loss. Sidney Ponson was roughed up and gave up six runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. Even worse, he blew a 5-3 Cardinals lead. Also blame Thompson out of the pen because he was beat up for three runs in his one inning of work and that ended up being the difference.
Scott Rolen had another big day. He went three for five with a homerun, three runs and three RBIs. Hector Luna and Juan Encarnacio also had three hits.
In today’s game, Mark Mulder did just enough to win. It wasn’t pretty but he improved to 6-4. He gave up four runs on nine hits and two walks in five innings.
Chris Duncan had the big game with the bat for the Cardinals. He went three for four with a run and an RBI. Scott Rolen went one for four with a run and an RBI to cap off a great series. Isringhausen pitched a shutout ninth to pick up his 23rd save of the season.
Colorado comes to town for three games before interleague play starts back up. Two night games and then a Sunday day game. The Cards have been very good in their new stadium, so hopefully we’ll be able to keep it up.