Kyle Davies must have liked his chances facing an Albert Pujols-less Cardinals lineup, because he certainly didn’t pitch like a man with a career 5+ ERA. Davies shut the Cards down, allowing 1 run on 5 hits through 7 innings in Kansas City’s 2-1 win Tuesday. Royals’ shortstop Mike Aviles hit a solo shot off Ron Villone in the 8th to put them up for good. Joel Pineiro matched Davies’ effort, allowing 1 run on 7 hits over 7 innings. Another good sign for the suddenly-scuffing Cards was Jason Isringhausen’s perfect 9th inning in his first start back from his trip to the DL.
Wednesday it was Braden Looper’s turn to be let down by the bullpen as Kyle McClellan gave up 2 solo shots in the 8th inning in a 3-2 loss to the Royals. These 2 Missouri teams put on a (starting) pitching clinic for the 2nd straight game as Looper gave up 1 run on 5 hits over 7 innings, while Royals starter Brian Bannister gave up 2 runs while scattering 9 hits over 7.
With a big series against the Red Sox looming, the Cards were unable to get their acts together in this afternoon’s 4-1 loss. Zack Greinke was the third straight Royals starter to baffle the Cardinal offense, allowing only 1 run on 2 hits over 7 innings. The 1 run came on a solo home run by Rick Ankiel in the 4th, his 11th home run of the year. Cardinals’ starter Brad Thompson was forced into the rotation sooner than expected because of Anthony Reyes’ injured elbow and he pitched well, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits over 5 innings. Jason Isringhausen also pitched well in relief, allowing 2 hits and striking out a batter in 2+ innings of work.
With Albert Pujols out for a while and Yadier Molina still day-to-day with his concussion, the rest of the Cardinals’ offense is going to need to step up their games as they head to Boston for a big weekend series. Kyle Lose (8-2, 3.77 ERA) is coming off a big win against the Phillies and will face knuckler Tim Wakefield (4-4, 4.91 ERA) tomorrow night at 6:05pm (Central time).
