The Cardinals continued their impressive run to pull out the sweep of the Washington Nationals earlier today 3-0, bringing their winning streak to 5 straight. Kyle Lohse pitched seven shutout innings, giving up seven hits and striking out five batters. Rick Ankiel once again played the role of the offensive hero, having a hand in 2 of the 3 runs scored by the Cards. Ankiel doubled home Brian Barton in the 1st inning, then hit a solo homerun in the 3rd, his third dinger of the year-all off lefties. Ryan Ludwick added an insurance run in the 8th inning, hitting a triple and scoring on Yadier Molina’s sacrifice fly. Jason Isringhausen came in in the 9th to secure his thirs save of the year. Ankiel and Ludwick were the only Cardinals with multiple hits, going 2-4 each. Albert Pujols went 0-2, but walked twice and stole a base. St. Louis heads to Houston tomorrow for the Astros’ home opener. The Cards will send Todd Wellemeyer to the hill for the second time this year against another lefty, Wandy Rodriguez, at 6:05pm (Central time).
