Brad Thompson continued the team trend of surprisingly stellar starting pitching for the Cardinals this afternoon in their 3-0 win over the Colorado Rockies. Thompson struck out six in 6 2/3 innings to help the Cards take 2 out of 3 to win the series with the defending National League Champions.
Rick Ankiel continued his strong play at the plate with an RBI single in the 3rd inning, which was followed up by another RBI single from third baseman Troy Glaus. Thompson, who is battling Todd Wellemeyer to stay in the rotation once Matt Clement returns from injury, also produced at the plate with and RBI single of his own in the 5th. Anthony Reyes, who Thompson beat out for the final spot in the rotation, struck out the side in the top of the 8th and Jason Isrinhausen came on in the 9th and earned his first save of the young year.
Glaus, second baseman Aaron Miles, and first baseman Albert Pujols each had 2 hits on the game, which puts Pujols at 5-10 on the year. The Cardinals’ pitching staff, which was unanimously thought to be the team’s weakest link, gave up only 5 runs to the defending National League Champs over the three game series, which, along with the strong hitting showing from the likes of Ankiel, Pujols, and Glaus, should give the Cards some confidence going into their weekend series at home against the 3-0 Washington Nationals. St. Louis will send Braden Looper to the hill against lefty Odalis Perez. The game will be at 7:15pm (Central time).
