Until last season, the Cardinals had never reached the postseason four consecutive years. As the 2015 season is about to unfold, the Cardinals appear to have the talent to extend their postseason streak to five straight years.
Final Standings for NL Central in 2015 should look like this:
St Louis 93-69
Pittsburgh 88-74
Cincinnati 83-79
Chicago 82-80
Milwaukee 74-88
Pittsburgh will put a very good lineup on the field, but their starting rotation is suspect.
Cincinnati will be vastly improved, offensively, but their starting rotation is even more suspect.
Chicago should finish over .500 - not quite the World Series champions their delusional fan base is expecting, but they're improving.
Milwaukee spent most of last season in first place before collapsing in September. Their collapse should occur by May this time around.
Showing posts with label Cincinnati Reds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cincinnati Reds. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Ranking NL Central Starting Rotations
Now that free agent pitcher James Shields is officially off the market (signing a four-year deal with the San Diego Padres), we now have a clearer picture of how the starting rotations of the five NL Central teams will be staffed - at least for now. Once the season begins, there may be some changes - particularly at the lower end of the rotations, where the competition for the fifth spot usually has a good number of candidates - from aging veterans to unproven rookies.
For rating purposes, we'll compare each team's Number One Starter, their Number Twos, and so on and so forth. Included will be a brief picture of last season's performance and any significant issues that may be pertinent, such as the relative risk for arm/shoulder/elbow trouble.
Here we go:
NUMBER ONE
1 - Cueto (CIN) 20-9 - 2.25 ERA - 243.2 IP - 160 ERA+ (Age 28) - After an injury-plagued 2013 season, he was the second-best pitcher in the NL last season.
2 - Wainwright (STL) 20-9 - 2.38 ERA - 227.0 IP - 154 ERA+ (Age 32) - Had a "dead arm" phase in the second half - Had minor off season elbow surgery which is a concern heading into the new season. When healthy, he's among the top 4 or 5 pitchers in MLB.
3 - Lester (CHI) 16-11 - 2.46 ERA - 219.2 IP - 155 ERA + (Age 30) - Had his finest season in 2014, but pitching for Oakland, inexplicably failed to hold the Royals at bay in the AL Wild Card game. Not a good way to end a season.
4 - Liriano (PIT) 7-10 - 3.38 ERA - 162.1 IP - 117 ERA+ (Age 30) - Health issues last year - could be a problem again in 2015.
5 - Garza (MIL) 8-8 - 3.64 ERA - 163.1 IP - 104 ERA+ (Age 30) - Durability and a volatile demeanor could be troublesome in 2015.
NUMBER TWO
1 - Lynn (STL) 15-10 - 2.74 ERA - 203.2 IP - 134 ERA+ (Age 27) - Had his finest season, by far, in 2014, although pitching with low run support cost him some wins - Should be just as good - if not better - in 2015.
2 - Arrieta (CHI) 10-5 - 2.53 ERA - 156.2 IP - 151 ERA+ (Age 28) - Pitched extremely well last season with a relatively light workload - Will need to post similar results while eclipsing 200 IP to give team a reasonable shot at postseason play.
3 - Peralta (MIL) 17-11 - 3.53 ERA - 198.2 IP - 107 ERA+ (Age 25) - Thanks to getting a lot of run support, actually won more games than any NL Central pitcher not named Cueto or Wainwright in 2014 - Will he be so fortunate in 2015?
4 - Bailey (CIN) 9-5 - 3.71 ERA - 145.2 IP - 97 ERA+ (Age 28) - Will need to bounce back from a mediocre 2014 - Lower the ERA, increase the workload - Otherwise, it could be another painful season for the Reds.
5 - Cole (PIT) 11-5 - 3.65 ERA - 138.0 IP - 98 ERA+ (Age 23) - Has potential to have breakout season in 2015, but needs to work more than 200 IP to give Pirates a reasonable shot at a division title.
NUMBER THREE
1 - Wacha (STL) 5-6 - 3.20 ERA - 107.0 IP - 115 ERA+ (Age 22) - If he's fully recovered from his shoulder problems, he should be able to dominate opposing lineups like he did late in the 2013 season (and postseason) - His workload will probably be limited by a cautious brain trust - still, 150+ IP would be a welcome asset to the pitching staff.
2 - Lohse (MIL) 13-9 - 3.54 ERA - 198.1 IP - 107 ERA+ (Age 35) - Not overpowering, but reliable - Age may start becoming a bit of a factor, especially if his not-so-fast-fastball loses some velocity in 2015.
3 - Leake (CIN) 11-13 - 3.70 ERA - 214.1 IP - 97 ERA+ (Age 26) - A steady workhorse - Should give Reds another 200+ IP in 2015.
4 - Hammel (CHI) 8-5 - 2.58 ERA - 108.2 IP - 128 ERA+ (Age 31) - Pitched well with a limited workload last season - Needs to double the output in 2015 to give Cubs any postseason hopes.
5 - Burnett (PIT) 8-18 - 4.59 ERA - 213.2 IP - 81 ERA+ (Age 37) - Pitching for a miserable Phillies team last season - Still durable after all those years, but age-related decline likely to continue - Probably should retire - Would be no surprise to see him released by the All Star break.
NUMBER FOUR
1 - Worley (PIT) 8-4 - 2.85 ERA - 110.2 IP - 125 ERA+ (Age 26) - Good numbers in limited action last season - It may not take long for this guy to supplant Burnett in the number three slot in the rotation.
2 - Fiers (MIL) 6-5 - 2.13 ERA - 71.2 IP - 178 ERA+ (Age 29) - Had the highest ERA+ in the division last season - but needs to at least double his innings pitched in 2015 to give rotation the necessary boost to stay in the race.
3 - Lackey (STL) 3-3 - 4.30 ERA - 60.2 IP - 86 ERA+ (Age 35) - Acquired from Boston prior to the trade deadline last season - Struggled in limited action - Whether or not he can bounce back in 2015 remains to be seen.
4 - Wood (CHI) 8-13 - 5.03 ERA - 173.2 IP - 76 ERA+ (Age 27) - Durable, but ineffective last season - He may not be able to improve in 2015 - The Cubs will be in trouble if he doesn't pitch more effectively this season.
5 - Cingrani (CIN) 2-8 - 4.55 ERA - 63.1 IP - 79 ERA+ (Age 24) - After showing flashes of brilliance when first called up in 2013, regressed significantly last season - Without vast improvement this season, the Reds will have serious issues.
NUMBER FIVE
1 - Hendricks (CHI) 7-2 - 2.46 ERA - 80.1 IP - 155 ERA+ (Age 24) - Encouraging results in limited exposure last season - If he can come close to duplicating this performance with 160+ IP, Cubs should easily escape the cellar.
2 - Locke (PIT) 7-6 - 3.91 ERA - 131.1 IP - 91 ERA+ (Age 26) - Assuming Burnett flops for the Pirates in 2015, the team will desperately need this guy to pitch better than last year - and work closer to 200 IP.
3 - Martinez (STL) 2-4 - 4.03 ERA - 89.1 IP - 91 ERA+ (Age 22) - Has the raw talent to develop into a top end of the rotation starter - If he does, Cards could run away with division title.
4 - Nelson (MIL) 2-9 - 4.83 ERA - 69.1 IP - 77 ERA+ (Age 25) - Expected to improve this season - Nowhere to go but up.
5 - Desclafani (CIN) 2-2 - 6.27 ERA - 33.0 IP - 61 ERA+ (Age 24) - Posted a decent 3.78 ERA in the minors last season - Significant improvement is critical in the fifth spot in the rotation if the Reds hope to have any chance at all in the division race.
OVERALL ROTATION RANKINGS
1 - St Louis Cardinals - The combination of Wainwright, Lynn and Wacha should be dominant in 2015.
2 - Chicago Cubs - The addition of Lester and the continued development of their younger talent brings some measure of credibility to a franchise desperate to win.
3 - Milwaukee Brewers - Lacking a true "ace", but still capable of keeping their team in most games.
4 - Pittsburgh Pirates - A shaky rotation with the potential to be a total disaster.
5 - Cincinnati Reds - After Cueto, a lot of question marks.
For rating purposes, we'll compare each team's Number One Starter, their Number Twos, and so on and so forth. Included will be a brief picture of last season's performance and any significant issues that may be pertinent, such as the relative risk for arm/shoulder/elbow trouble.
Here we go:
NUMBER ONE
1 - Cueto (CIN) 20-9 - 2.25 ERA - 243.2 IP - 160 ERA+ (Age 28) - After an injury-plagued 2013 season, he was the second-best pitcher in the NL last season.
2 - Wainwright (STL) 20-9 - 2.38 ERA - 227.0 IP - 154 ERA+ (Age 32) - Had a "dead arm" phase in the second half - Had minor off season elbow surgery which is a concern heading into the new season. When healthy, he's among the top 4 or 5 pitchers in MLB.
3 - Lester (CHI) 16-11 - 2.46 ERA - 219.2 IP - 155 ERA + (Age 30) - Had his finest season in 2014, but pitching for Oakland, inexplicably failed to hold the Royals at bay in the AL Wild Card game. Not a good way to end a season.
4 - Liriano (PIT) 7-10 - 3.38 ERA - 162.1 IP - 117 ERA+ (Age 30) - Health issues last year - could be a problem again in 2015.
5 - Garza (MIL) 8-8 - 3.64 ERA - 163.1 IP - 104 ERA+ (Age 30) - Durability and a volatile demeanor could be troublesome in 2015.
NUMBER TWO
1 - Lynn (STL) 15-10 - 2.74 ERA - 203.2 IP - 134 ERA+ (Age 27) - Had his finest season, by far, in 2014, although pitching with low run support cost him some wins - Should be just as good - if not better - in 2015.
2 - Arrieta (CHI) 10-5 - 2.53 ERA - 156.2 IP - 151 ERA+ (Age 28) - Pitched extremely well last season with a relatively light workload - Will need to post similar results while eclipsing 200 IP to give team a reasonable shot at postseason play.
3 - Peralta (MIL) 17-11 - 3.53 ERA - 198.2 IP - 107 ERA+ (Age 25) - Thanks to getting a lot of run support, actually won more games than any NL Central pitcher not named Cueto or Wainwright in 2014 - Will he be so fortunate in 2015?
4 - Bailey (CIN) 9-5 - 3.71 ERA - 145.2 IP - 97 ERA+ (Age 28) - Will need to bounce back from a mediocre 2014 - Lower the ERA, increase the workload - Otherwise, it could be another painful season for the Reds.
5 - Cole (PIT) 11-5 - 3.65 ERA - 138.0 IP - 98 ERA+ (Age 23) - Has potential to have breakout season in 2015, but needs to work more than 200 IP to give Pirates a reasonable shot at a division title.
NUMBER THREE
1 - Wacha (STL) 5-6 - 3.20 ERA - 107.0 IP - 115 ERA+ (Age 22) - If he's fully recovered from his shoulder problems, he should be able to dominate opposing lineups like he did late in the 2013 season (and postseason) - His workload will probably be limited by a cautious brain trust - still, 150+ IP would be a welcome asset to the pitching staff.
2 - Lohse (MIL) 13-9 - 3.54 ERA - 198.1 IP - 107 ERA+ (Age 35) - Not overpowering, but reliable - Age may start becoming a bit of a factor, especially if his not-so-fast-fastball loses some velocity in 2015.
3 - Leake (CIN) 11-13 - 3.70 ERA - 214.1 IP - 97 ERA+ (Age 26) - A steady workhorse - Should give Reds another 200+ IP in 2015.
4 - Hammel (CHI) 8-5 - 2.58 ERA - 108.2 IP - 128 ERA+ (Age 31) - Pitched well with a limited workload last season - Needs to double the output in 2015 to give Cubs any postseason hopes.
5 - Burnett (PIT) 8-18 - 4.59 ERA - 213.2 IP - 81 ERA+ (Age 37) - Pitching for a miserable Phillies team last season - Still durable after all those years, but age-related decline likely to continue - Probably should retire - Would be no surprise to see him released by the All Star break.
NUMBER FOUR
1 - Worley (PIT) 8-4 - 2.85 ERA - 110.2 IP - 125 ERA+ (Age 26) - Good numbers in limited action last season - It may not take long for this guy to supplant Burnett in the number three slot in the rotation.
2 - Fiers (MIL) 6-5 - 2.13 ERA - 71.2 IP - 178 ERA+ (Age 29) - Had the highest ERA+ in the division last season - but needs to at least double his innings pitched in 2015 to give rotation the necessary boost to stay in the race.
3 - Lackey (STL) 3-3 - 4.30 ERA - 60.2 IP - 86 ERA+ (Age 35) - Acquired from Boston prior to the trade deadline last season - Struggled in limited action - Whether or not he can bounce back in 2015 remains to be seen.
4 - Wood (CHI) 8-13 - 5.03 ERA - 173.2 IP - 76 ERA+ (Age 27) - Durable, but ineffective last season - He may not be able to improve in 2015 - The Cubs will be in trouble if he doesn't pitch more effectively this season.
5 - Cingrani (CIN) 2-8 - 4.55 ERA - 63.1 IP - 79 ERA+ (Age 24) - After showing flashes of brilliance when first called up in 2013, regressed significantly last season - Without vast improvement this season, the Reds will have serious issues.
NUMBER FIVE
1 - Hendricks (CHI) 7-2 - 2.46 ERA - 80.1 IP - 155 ERA+ (Age 24) - Encouraging results in limited exposure last season - If he can come close to duplicating this performance with 160+ IP, Cubs should easily escape the cellar.
2 - Locke (PIT) 7-6 - 3.91 ERA - 131.1 IP - 91 ERA+ (Age 26) - Assuming Burnett flops for the Pirates in 2015, the team will desperately need this guy to pitch better than last year - and work closer to 200 IP.
3 - Martinez (STL) 2-4 - 4.03 ERA - 89.1 IP - 91 ERA+ (Age 22) - Has the raw talent to develop into a top end of the rotation starter - If he does, Cards could run away with division title.
4 - Nelson (MIL) 2-9 - 4.83 ERA - 69.1 IP - 77 ERA+ (Age 25) - Expected to improve this season - Nowhere to go but up.
5 - Desclafani (CIN) 2-2 - 6.27 ERA - 33.0 IP - 61 ERA+ (Age 24) - Posted a decent 3.78 ERA in the minors last season - Significant improvement is critical in the fifth spot in the rotation if the Reds hope to have any chance at all in the division race.
OVERALL ROTATION RANKINGS
1 - St Louis Cardinals - The combination of Wainwright, Lynn and Wacha should be dominant in 2015.
2 - Chicago Cubs - The addition of Lester and the continued development of their younger talent brings some measure of credibility to a franchise desperate to win.
3 - Milwaukee Brewers - Lacking a true "ace", but still capable of keeping their team in most games.
4 - Pittsburgh Pirates - A shaky rotation with the potential to be a total disaster.
5 - Cincinnati Reds - After Cueto, a lot of question marks.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Ranking NL Central Position Players
After months of careful study and analysis, using advanced metrics and common sense, I've ranked all the position players in the NL Central who are most likely to be in the starting lineup on a regular basis - at least, at the beginning of the season.
However, there could be significant changes as early as May - at least for one team: The Chicago Cubs. Around that time, their highly touted third base prospect - Kris Bryant - will probably be called up from the minors to add much needed offensive firepower for a team expected to contend for a division title (Las Vegas odds makers list them at 12 to 1 to win the World Series; along with the Cardinals!). One thing is certain: The Cubs will not win the NL Central - let alone even qualify for a wild card berth with their current projected lineup (even with five Jon Lesters in the starting rotation).
A comparison of the five NL Central teams' primary position players sheds some light on who are legitimate contenders - and who are the pretenders:
Catcher
In the wake of an injury-plagued season in '14 (only 110 games played), the Cardinals' Yadier Molina has reportedly shed twenty pounds, hoping to take some pressure off a bum knee. If he can stay reasonably healthy this season, he should be able to outperform Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy (#2) who had his best season last year (.301/.373/.465 with a NL-most 53 doubles).
Cincinnati's Devin Mesoraco (#3) who hit 25 HR (most by any MLB catcher) in just 114 games appears to be a rising star.
Pittsburgh is going to miss Russell Martin (now with Toronto), although his replacement - Francisco Cervelli (#4) - should be adequate. Unfortunately for the Pirates, "adequate" may not be good enough to help nurture a mediocre pitching staff through a challenging season.
The Cubs acquired Miguel Montero (#5) from Arizona for his "pitch framing" ability; somehow overlooking his sharp offensive decline in the past two seasons - a trend that will likely continue in 2015. As far as "pitch framing" goes, it didn't really help the D-Backs' atrocious pitching staff last year (4.26 ERA was 2nd-worst in the league, behind Colorado's 4.86 ERA).
First Base
Chicago's Anthony Rizzo, after a breakout season, appears to have overtaken the Reds' Joey Votto (#2), who will be trying to return to form after a couple of seasons of nagging injuries which dramatically hurt his production (only 62 games played last season).
The Cardinals are hoping Matt Adams (#3) will regain that power stroke he had in '13 when he hit 17 HR in 319 PA. If he does, he could surpass Votto and possibly Rizzo.
Milwaukee's newest addition - Adam Lind (#4) - could be an offensive weapon (.321/.381/.479 in 96 games) - although somewhat of a defensive liability.
Meanwhile, the Pirates are desperately hoping Pedro Alvarez (#5) rebounds after a disappointing '14 - when he hit just 18 HR - half the total from '13.
Second Base
Pittsburgh's Neil Walker (.271/.342/.467 with 23 HR) is an All Star caliber player who is just entering his prime. If anyone's going to challenge him, it could well be the Cardinals' Kolten Wong (#2), who not only has excellent defensive skills, his hitting should be greatly improved in '14.
Third ranked Scooter Gennett (.289/.320/.434) of Milwaukee has a decent bat but needs work on the defense to reach All Star status.
The Reds' fourth ranked Brandon Phillips (.266/.306/.372) nearly punched out a Cincinnati beat reporter a couple of years ago for noticing his OBP sucked. It still does, and his defensive skills are slipping for the aging hot dog, as well.
The Cubs are praying that fifth ranked Javier Baez (.164/.227/.324) will cut down on his strikeouts (95 in 229 PA). Otherwise their postseason hopes get very dim.
Third Base
The Reds' Todd Frazier had a breakout season in '14 (.273/.336/.458 with 29 HR) - and he's good with the glove to rank a notch ahead of the Redbirds' Matt Carpenter (NL-most 95 BB), who displayed remarkable postseason power (4 HR in 39 PA) after hitting just 8 HR in the regular season.
Pittsburgh's third ranked Josh Harrison (.315/.347/.490) had a career year in '14 - will likely regress a bit in '15.
Aging Aramis Ramirez (#4) of Milwaukee (.285/.330/.427) posted his lowest SLG since '02 - and his glove is suspect at the hot corner, as well.
Either Mike Olt or Tommy La Stella (#5 & 5A) will likely be in the lineup for the Cubs on Opening Day - and neither one is going to do much to enhance Chicago's postseason dream. Maybe rookie Kris Bryant will get called up by May and have a monster season - because that's what they need to be competitive.
Shortstop
Jhonny Peralta (club record 21 HR for SS) was better than expected last year for St Louis, when he was arguably, the best shortstop in either league. He'll likely regress a bit in '15, but should still be better than Starlin Castro (#2) who hit well (.272/.339/.438) but still has defensive issues.
Pittsburgh's Jordy Mercer (#3) is a solid defensive player with a decent bat, while the Reds' Zack Cozart (#4) is a very good defensive player with a weak bat (.221/.268/.300).
The Brewers' Jean Segura (#5) is a good defensive player whose production fell off considerably in '14 (.246/.289/.326) compared to '13 (.274/.329/.423) when he was an All Star. If he doesn't improve this season, the Brewers could be in serious trouble, along with the Cubs.
Left Field
Pittsburgh's Starling Marte (.291/.356/.453) is a five tool player who will only get better in '15 and beyond. Matt Holldiay (#2) is starting to show some age-related regression, with a career low .441 SLG last season. If he can hit 20 HR and drive in 90 again, the Cards should return to the postseason for a record fifth straight season.
The Brewers' third ranked Khris Davis (.244/.299/.457 with 22 HR) should post better offensive numbers in '15, but his defense is still suspect.
Marlon Byrd (#4) - the new addition to the Reds' lineup - hit a career high 25 HR with the Phillies last season, but at the age of 37, may show some regression this season.
The Cubs' Chris Coghlan (#5) is a pretty good hitter (.283/.352/.452) but an atrocious defensive player.
Center Field
Andrew McCutchen (.314/.410/.542) is the best player on an improving Pirates' franchise, although he's overrated, defensively. Two seasons ago, Milwaukee's Carlos Gomez (#2) played a spectacular defensive CF, regressing slightly last year, but his hitting was nearly a carbon copy (.284/.356/.477 with 23 HR).
After a lackluster '13, third ranked Jon Jay (.295/.359/.396) rebounded nicely for the Cardinals in '14 - especially defensively.
Cincinnati's speedy Billy Hamilton (.250/.292/.355) is ranked at #4, but will likely show overall improvement as his career progresses.
Dexter Fowler's (#5) ability to get on base (.375 last season) will help the Cubs' offense this season, but defensively, he's a liability. In other words, he's got lots of company in Chicago.
Right Field
The Cardinals' big acquisition this off season - Jason Heyward - will solve the team's biggest weakness last season - although duplicating a 7.0 WAR may be a difficult assignment. However, if he can find his niche in the St Louis lineup, he could have his best offensive season in '15 - and the Cards should cruise to another division title.
The Brewers' injury-plagued Ryan Braun (#2) discovered that playing without his special vitamins wasn't so easy last year - posting career lows in his entire slash line (.266/.324/.453). He's bound to improve on those numbers in '15, but he'll never get back to that PED-enhanced production from a few years ago. Defensively, a liability.
The Cubs' hot rookie sensation - third ranked Jorge Soler (.292/.330/.573 in 97 PA) - may continue where he left off last season - or he may find out that big league pitching isn't so easy to hit this year. If he flops, more trauma at Wrigley Field for another painful year.
The Pirates are counting on rookie Gregory Polanco (#4) to improve on last season's 89 game introduction to the major leagues (.235/.307/.343). If he struggles once again, it's going to be tough for Pittsburgh to reach the postseason for a third straight year.
How bad was Jay Bruce (.217/.281/.373) last season for the Reds? So bad, that even a couple of relatively untested rookies from Chicago and Pittsburgh are already ranked ahead of him. He's got to get better in '15. There's nowhere to go but up from a negative 1.1 WAR.
SUMMARY
The Cardinals and Pirates - with three players each ranked number one at their positions - figure to have the best overall lineups in the NL Central. The difference between those two teams seems to be pitching - the Cardinals have the advantage - barring any significant injuries.
It would be a mistake to count any team out of the race for the division title (even the Cubs). If Votto returns to form this season, the Reds could be much better. The same goes for the Brewers with their former golden boy, Braunie.
For the Cubs, they need three relatively unproven rookies to rise to the occasion, if they hope to rise in the standings - which may be asking too much, too soon.
PROJECTIONS
St Louis should win division title again
Second place could be a tight race between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati - even Milwaukee or Chicago could sneak up there if all their pieces fall into place
In other words, second through fifth place is almost a toss up between four teams
However, there could be significant changes as early as May - at least for one team: The Chicago Cubs. Around that time, their highly touted third base prospect - Kris Bryant - will probably be called up from the minors to add much needed offensive firepower for a team expected to contend for a division title (Las Vegas odds makers list them at 12 to 1 to win the World Series; along with the Cardinals!). One thing is certain: The Cubs will not win the NL Central - let alone even qualify for a wild card berth with their current projected lineup (even with five Jon Lesters in the starting rotation).
A comparison of the five NL Central teams' primary position players sheds some light on who are legitimate contenders - and who are the pretenders:
Catcher
In the wake of an injury-plagued season in '14 (only 110 games played), the Cardinals' Yadier Molina has reportedly shed twenty pounds, hoping to take some pressure off a bum knee. If he can stay reasonably healthy this season, he should be able to outperform Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy (#2) who had his best season last year (.301/.373/.465 with a NL-most 53 doubles).
Cincinnati's Devin Mesoraco (#3) who hit 25 HR (most by any MLB catcher) in just 114 games appears to be a rising star.
Pittsburgh is going to miss Russell Martin (now with Toronto), although his replacement - Francisco Cervelli (#4) - should be adequate. Unfortunately for the Pirates, "adequate" may not be good enough to help nurture a mediocre pitching staff through a challenging season.
The Cubs acquired Miguel Montero (#5) from Arizona for his "pitch framing" ability; somehow overlooking his sharp offensive decline in the past two seasons - a trend that will likely continue in 2015. As far as "pitch framing" goes, it didn't really help the D-Backs' atrocious pitching staff last year (4.26 ERA was 2nd-worst in the league, behind Colorado's 4.86 ERA).
First Base
Chicago's Anthony Rizzo, after a breakout season, appears to have overtaken the Reds' Joey Votto (#2), who will be trying to return to form after a couple of seasons of nagging injuries which dramatically hurt his production (only 62 games played last season).
The Cardinals are hoping Matt Adams (#3) will regain that power stroke he had in '13 when he hit 17 HR in 319 PA. If he does, he could surpass Votto and possibly Rizzo.
Milwaukee's newest addition - Adam Lind (#4) - could be an offensive weapon (.321/.381/.479 in 96 games) - although somewhat of a defensive liability.
Meanwhile, the Pirates are desperately hoping Pedro Alvarez (#5) rebounds after a disappointing '14 - when he hit just 18 HR - half the total from '13.
Second Base
Pittsburgh's Neil Walker (.271/.342/.467 with 23 HR) is an All Star caliber player who is just entering his prime. If anyone's going to challenge him, it could well be the Cardinals' Kolten Wong (#2), who not only has excellent defensive skills, his hitting should be greatly improved in '14.
Third ranked Scooter Gennett (.289/.320/.434) of Milwaukee has a decent bat but needs work on the defense to reach All Star status.
The Reds' fourth ranked Brandon Phillips (.266/.306/.372) nearly punched out a Cincinnati beat reporter a couple of years ago for noticing his OBP sucked. It still does, and his defensive skills are slipping for the aging hot dog, as well.
The Cubs are praying that fifth ranked Javier Baez (.164/.227/.324) will cut down on his strikeouts (95 in 229 PA). Otherwise their postseason hopes get very dim.
Third Base
The Reds' Todd Frazier had a breakout season in '14 (.273/.336/.458 with 29 HR) - and he's good with the glove to rank a notch ahead of the Redbirds' Matt Carpenter (NL-most 95 BB), who displayed remarkable postseason power (4 HR in 39 PA) after hitting just 8 HR in the regular season.
Pittsburgh's third ranked Josh Harrison (.315/.347/.490) had a career year in '14 - will likely regress a bit in '15.
Aging Aramis Ramirez (#4) of Milwaukee (.285/.330/.427) posted his lowest SLG since '02 - and his glove is suspect at the hot corner, as well.
Either Mike Olt or Tommy La Stella (#5 & 5A) will likely be in the lineup for the Cubs on Opening Day - and neither one is going to do much to enhance Chicago's postseason dream. Maybe rookie Kris Bryant will get called up by May and have a monster season - because that's what they need to be competitive.
Shortstop
Jhonny Peralta (club record 21 HR for SS) was better than expected last year for St Louis, when he was arguably, the best shortstop in either league. He'll likely regress a bit in '15, but should still be better than Starlin Castro (#2) who hit well (.272/.339/.438) but still has defensive issues.
Pittsburgh's Jordy Mercer (#3) is a solid defensive player with a decent bat, while the Reds' Zack Cozart (#4) is a very good defensive player with a weak bat (.221/.268/.300).
The Brewers' Jean Segura (#5) is a good defensive player whose production fell off considerably in '14 (.246/.289/.326) compared to '13 (.274/.329/.423) when he was an All Star. If he doesn't improve this season, the Brewers could be in serious trouble, along with the Cubs.
Left Field
Pittsburgh's Starling Marte (.291/.356/.453) is a five tool player who will only get better in '15 and beyond. Matt Holldiay (#2) is starting to show some age-related regression, with a career low .441 SLG last season. If he can hit 20 HR and drive in 90 again, the Cards should return to the postseason for a record fifth straight season.
The Brewers' third ranked Khris Davis (.244/.299/.457 with 22 HR) should post better offensive numbers in '15, but his defense is still suspect.
Marlon Byrd (#4) - the new addition to the Reds' lineup - hit a career high 25 HR with the Phillies last season, but at the age of 37, may show some regression this season.
The Cubs' Chris Coghlan (#5) is a pretty good hitter (.283/.352/.452) but an atrocious defensive player.
Center Field
Andrew McCutchen (.314/.410/.542) is the best player on an improving Pirates' franchise, although he's overrated, defensively. Two seasons ago, Milwaukee's Carlos Gomez (#2) played a spectacular defensive CF, regressing slightly last year, but his hitting was nearly a carbon copy (.284/.356/.477 with 23 HR).
After a lackluster '13, third ranked Jon Jay (.295/.359/.396) rebounded nicely for the Cardinals in '14 - especially defensively.
Cincinnati's speedy Billy Hamilton (.250/.292/.355) is ranked at #4, but will likely show overall improvement as his career progresses.
Dexter Fowler's (#5) ability to get on base (.375 last season) will help the Cubs' offense this season, but defensively, he's a liability. In other words, he's got lots of company in Chicago.
Right Field
The Cardinals' big acquisition this off season - Jason Heyward - will solve the team's biggest weakness last season - although duplicating a 7.0 WAR may be a difficult assignment. However, if he can find his niche in the St Louis lineup, he could have his best offensive season in '15 - and the Cards should cruise to another division title.
The Brewers' injury-plagued Ryan Braun (#2) discovered that playing without his special vitamins wasn't so easy last year - posting career lows in his entire slash line (.266/.324/.453). He's bound to improve on those numbers in '15, but he'll never get back to that PED-enhanced production from a few years ago. Defensively, a liability.
The Cubs' hot rookie sensation - third ranked Jorge Soler (.292/.330/.573 in 97 PA) - may continue where he left off last season - or he may find out that big league pitching isn't so easy to hit this year. If he flops, more trauma at Wrigley Field for another painful year.
The Pirates are counting on rookie Gregory Polanco (#4) to improve on last season's 89 game introduction to the major leagues (.235/.307/.343). If he struggles once again, it's going to be tough for Pittsburgh to reach the postseason for a third straight year.
How bad was Jay Bruce (.217/.281/.373) last season for the Reds? So bad, that even a couple of relatively untested rookies from Chicago and Pittsburgh are already ranked ahead of him. He's got to get better in '15. There's nowhere to go but up from a negative 1.1 WAR.
SUMMARY
The Cardinals and Pirates - with three players each ranked number one at their positions - figure to have the best overall lineups in the NL Central. The difference between those two teams seems to be pitching - the Cardinals have the advantage - barring any significant injuries.
It would be a mistake to count any team out of the race for the division title (even the Cubs). If Votto returns to form this season, the Reds could be much better. The same goes for the Brewers with their former golden boy, Braunie.
For the Cubs, they need three relatively unproven rookies to rise to the occasion, if they hope to rise in the standings - which may be asking too much, too soon.
PROJECTIONS
St Louis should win division title again
Second place could be a tight race between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati - even Milwaukee or Chicago could sneak up there if all their pieces fall into place
In other words, second through fifth place is almost a toss up between four teams
Sunday, January 25, 2015
2015 NL Central Projections: Cardinals Overwhelming Favorite?
With all the recent hype surrounding the Chicago Cubs (new manager, new left-handed pitching ace, new center fielder, bold new prediction from first baseman to "win the NL Central"), the Las Vegas odds makers have given the lovable losers a legitimate shot to win the World Series (around 12 to 1?).
At the same time, unimpressed with the off-season moves of the St Louis Cardinals, those same odds-makers have downgraded last year's division champions - giving them about the same chance of winning the World Series as last year's cellar-dwelling Cubs.
That's just f***ing ridiculous.
Assuming WAR actually means something (generally speaking, it does), let's take a look at the entire NL Central's off-season moves, from a Wins Above Replacement perspective. This will tell us if a team's additions, along with their subtractions actually figures to help them win more games in 2015.
Obviously, there are still some free agents floating around out there that could alter these projections; not to mention a few blockbuster trades that may happen before the season begins. For now, here's the way things have gone for each team:
CARDINALS - 16 players that spent all or part of the 2014 season on the roster are gone. The most notable subtractions are reliever Pat Neshek (2.3 WAR) and starter Shelby Miller (1.7 WAR). Neshek - a free agent who had a career year in '14 - signed with the Houston Astros; Miller was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for right fielder Jason Heyward (7.0 WAR) - who becomes a free agent at the end of this season; so this deal is a long term risk, but a short term bonanza.
All of the remaining 14 players that are gone had slightly negative WARs. In fact, the grand total of the 16 subtractions is NEGATIVE 1.2 WAR. Branch Rickey used to call the act of dumping a player with declining skills "Addition by Subtraction" - and that concept seems to apply here.
Obviously, the Heyward acquisition is the most significant of the front office's additions during the off-season, but there were four others: Jordan Walden (0.9 WAR), Mark Reynolds (0.6 WAR), Dean Anna (0.2 WAR) and Matt Belisle (0.1 WAR).
Total WAR for additions: 8.8 - Add in 1.2 WAR from subtractions - NET GAIN: 10.0 WAR
CUBS - 8 players that spent all or part of the 2014 season on the roster are gone. The most notable subtractions: Jeff Samardzija (1.8 WAR - now a starting pitcher for the White Sox) and former third baseman Luis Valbuena (1.4 WAR) who was traded to the Houston Astros for center fielder Dexter Fowler (1.8 WAR). All told, the Cubs gave up a total WAR of 1.8 in their subtractions.
Additions: The biggest coup in the free agent market - left-handed ace Jon Lester (5.2 WAR) was a step in the right direction for the franchise with the worst pitching in the division last season (707 runs allowed). They also signed former Cards closer Jason Motte (-0.1 WAR) - trying to make a comeback after TJS - and reacquired starting pitcher Jason Hammel (3.1 WAR) - However, the Hammel signing doesn't add to the team's total WAR since his contribution was already factored in from last season. Along with the previously mentioned Fowler, the other additions include catcher Miguel Montero (0.6 WAR) and utility outfielder Chris Denorfia (0.1 WAR).
Total WAR for additions: 7.6 - Lost 1.8 WAR from subtractions - NET GAIN: 5.8 WAR
The rest of the NL Central have either regressed or improved only slightly:
REDS - 11 subtractions and 4 additions equals 1.1 WAR
PIRATES - 11 subtractions and 5 additions equals NEGATIVE 3.9 WAR
BREWERS - 13 subtractions and 4 additions equals NEGATIVE 4.3 WAR
NL Central Projections for 2015 - The "Starting Point" for each team is their Pythagorean Winning Percentage from 2014 (Based on Run Differential). As we can see, four out of the five NL Central teams won more games than their run differential would normally produce (especially the Cardinals):
Team W-L in '14 vs Pythagorean - 2015 W-L Projection
Cardinals 90-72 83-79 93-69
Pirates 88-74 87-75 83-79
Reds 76-86 79-83 80-82
Cubs 73-89 71-91 77-85
Brewers 82-80 80-82 76-86
It looks like it's going to be a tight race for last place in the NL Central in 2015. It seems as though the Cubbies might be able to escape the cellar; but just by the slimmest of margins. Certainly, this isn't what all those delusional Cubs fans are expecting for the upcoming season - not to mention those Las Vegas odds-makers. Sorry. Please accept my condolences for another season of futility.
Maybe 2016 will be better. But don't count on it.
At the same time, unimpressed with the off-season moves of the St Louis Cardinals, those same odds-makers have downgraded last year's division champions - giving them about the same chance of winning the World Series as last year's cellar-dwelling Cubs.
That's just f***ing ridiculous.
Assuming WAR actually means something (generally speaking, it does), let's take a look at the entire NL Central's off-season moves, from a Wins Above Replacement perspective. This will tell us if a team's additions, along with their subtractions actually figures to help them win more games in 2015.
Obviously, there are still some free agents floating around out there that could alter these projections; not to mention a few blockbuster trades that may happen before the season begins. For now, here's the way things have gone for each team:
CARDINALS - 16 players that spent all or part of the 2014 season on the roster are gone. The most notable subtractions are reliever Pat Neshek (2.3 WAR) and starter Shelby Miller (1.7 WAR). Neshek - a free agent who had a career year in '14 - signed with the Houston Astros; Miller was traded to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for right fielder Jason Heyward (7.0 WAR) - who becomes a free agent at the end of this season; so this deal is a long term risk, but a short term bonanza.
All of the remaining 14 players that are gone had slightly negative WARs. In fact, the grand total of the 16 subtractions is NEGATIVE 1.2 WAR. Branch Rickey used to call the act of dumping a player with declining skills "Addition by Subtraction" - and that concept seems to apply here.
Obviously, the Heyward acquisition is the most significant of the front office's additions during the off-season, but there were four others: Jordan Walden (0.9 WAR), Mark Reynolds (0.6 WAR), Dean Anna (0.2 WAR) and Matt Belisle (0.1 WAR).
Total WAR for additions: 8.8 - Add in 1.2 WAR from subtractions - NET GAIN: 10.0 WAR
CUBS - 8 players that spent all or part of the 2014 season on the roster are gone. The most notable subtractions: Jeff Samardzija (1.8 WAR - now a starting pitcher for the White Sox) and former third baseman Luis Valbuena (1.4 WAR) who was traded to the Houston Astros for center fielder Dexter Fowler (1.8 WAR). All told, the Cubs gave up a total WAR of 1.8 in their subtractions.
Additions: The biggest coup in the free agent market - left-handed ace Jon Lester (5.2 WAR) was a step in the right direction for the franchise with the worst pitching in the division last season (707 runs allowed). They also signed former Cards closer Jason Motte (-0.1 WAR) - trying to make a comeback after TJS - and reacquired starting pitcher Jason Hammel (3.1 WAR) - However, the Hammel signing doesn't add to the team's total WAR since his contribution was already factored in from last season. Along with the previously mentioned Fowler, the other additions include catcher Miguel Montero (0.6 WAR) and utility outfielder Chris Denorfia (0.1 WAR).
Total WAR for additions: 7.6 - Lost 1.8 WAR from subtractions - NET GAIN: 5.8 WAR
The rest of the NL Central have either regressed or improved only slightly:
REDS - 11 subtractions and 4 additions equals 1.1 WAR
PIRATES - 11 subtractions and 5 additions equals NEGATIVE 3.9 WAR
BREWERS - 13 subtractions and 4 additions equals NEGATIVE 4.3 WAR
NL Central Projections for 2015 - The "Starting Point" for each team is their Pythagorean Winning Percentage from 2014 (Based on Run Differential). As we can see, four out of the five NL Central teams won more games than their run differential would normally produce (especially the Cardinals):
Team W-L in '14 vs Pythagorean - 2015 W-L Projection
Cardinals 90-72 83-79 93-69
Pirates 88-74 87-75 83-79
Reds 76-86 79-83 80-82
Cubs 73-89 71-91 77-85
Brewers 82-80 80-82 76-86
It looks like it's going to be a tight race for last place in the NL Central in 2015. It seems as though the Cubbies might be able to escape the cellar; but just by the slimmest of margins. Certainly, this isn't what all those delusional Cubs fans are expecting for the upcoming season - not to mention those Las Vegas odds-makers. Sorry. Please accept my condolences for another season of futility.
Maybe 2016 will be better. But don't count on it.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
October 4, 1964 - The Cardinals Win The Pennant!
Sunday, October 4, 1964 - At Busch Stadium I (Curt Simmons - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: New York Mets (Galen Cisco - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 30,146
On the last day of probably the most miraculous season in major league histroy, the Cardinals salvaged the final game of a season-ending three-game series with the lowly New York Mets - to claim their first National League pennant since 1946. Bob Gibson, who lost a heart-breaking eight-inning start on Friday night, worked four innings of gutsy relief to get the win in the clincher - as the Cardinals eventually cruised to a memorable 11-5 win.
Ironically, the team the Redbirds spent most of the summer chasing down - the Philadelphia Phillies - gave the Cardinals the help they needed with a 10-0 drubbing of the Cincinnati Reds - co-leaders with St Louis at the start of play today. The win moved Philadelphia into a second-place tie with Cincinnati - both with 92-70 records - one game behind the Cardinals, who somehow finished at 93-69.
Thankfully, the Cardinals avoided the three game-sweep to the worst team in baseball. Otherwise, the top spot in the National League would have resulted in an unprecedented three-way tie - with all sorts of convoluted playoff possibilities, which more than likely would have resulted in the survivor of the pandemonium heading into the Fall Classic confrontation with the New York Yankees with a less than favorable starting rotation. More than likely, the Bronx Bombers would have emerged victorious in Mickey Mantle's final World Series appearance, instead of falling to the Cardinals in seven games.
Despite the seemingly lopsided victory, this game was a nail-biter until the Redbirds finally took command about halfway through.
The Cardinals grabbed a second-inning 1-0 lead off Mets starter Galen Cisco - on Mike Shannon's two-out RBI single - scoring Tim McCarver - who opened the inning with a double.
In the fourth-inning, the Mets tied the game on Charlie Smith's two-out solo home run off Cards starter Curt Simmons.
In the bottom half of the fourth, Dick Groat's lead-off double nearly went to waste, but Dal Maxvill of all people, lined a two-out single to center to bring the go-ahead run home: 2-1 - St Louis.
The lead quickly evaporated as the Mets batted in the fifth-inning. George Altman started the trouble with a single, then advanced to second on Cisco's sacrifice bunt. Bobby Klaus then lifted a fly ball deep to right field which Altman thought would be caught - but it landed safely, as Klaus made it all the way to second, while Altman only advanced to third. However, the next batter - Ken McMillan - scored both runners with a double of his own to left field. Suddenly, the Mets had a 3-2 lead.
Manager Johnny Keane had seen enough. In from the bullpen to replace a tiring Simmons came the Cardinals' ace - Bob Gibson - to restore order. He was working on just one day's rest - after pitching masterfully in a painful 1-0 loss to Al Jackson on Friday night. But with the entire season on the line, he made himself available for duty in this game, if needed. And he was needed, as Simmons was out of gas.
Gibson retired the next two Mets batters to keep the deficit at a single run - before an inspired Cardinals' lineup seized control of the game in the bottom half of the inning. Lou Brock led-off with a base on balls, then advanced to second on Bill White's base hit to right field. Ken Boyer's double to left field scored Brock with the tying run - as manager Casey Stengel brought in reliever Bill Wakefield to take over for Cisco - attempting to get out of this second and third no-out predicament.
The first batter Wakefield faced - Dick Groat - gave the Cardinals a lead they would not relinquish - on a ground-out to the second baseman - scoring White from third as Boyer advanced to third.
After McCarver was intentionally walked, Shannon struck out - but Maxvill did it again - a two-out RBI single to right field - scoring Boyer to give the Cardinals a 5-3 lead. With Cincinnati getting clobbered at home to the Phillies, everyone in the ballpark knew a pennant was very likely going to be won today by the home town team. Electricity filled the air.
Gibson - clearly arm-weary on such short rest - faltered in the sixth-inning, but avoided serious trouble. A two-out bases loaded walk to Klaus made it a 5-4 game - but a collective sigh of relief could be heard throughout old Busch Stadium when McMillan grounded out to end the threat.
The festive mood at the ballpark intensified when the Cards scored three more runs in the bottom half of the sixth off reliever Willard Hunter. Brock's one-out double preceded White's two-run home run - then later in the frame, after Boyer walked, McCarver brought him in with a ringing double to right: 8-4 - St Louis.
Curt Flood put the crowd into a frenzy with a lead-off eighth-inning home run - then with two out, Boyer drew another base on balls, advanced to third on Groat's double, and both runners scored on McCarver's single to center: 11-4 - St Louis.
By this time, the irascible Cardinals owner, Gussie Busch had joined the wildly exuberant broadcaster - Harry Caray, who had moved down to the field-level box seats to capture the excitement of this inevitable pennant-clinching moment. The party was delayed momentarily when an exhausted Gibson could no longer maintain control of his pitches - walking two batters as the Mets took their final turn at bat in the ninth. With two on and one out, Barney Schultz and his dancing knuckle ball took over for Gibby, who departed the mound to a standing ovation from the appreciative fans. Eventually, one run came scored but Schultz got the final out of the season - inducing Ed Kranepool into popping a foul ball behind home plate - which McCarver grabbed - to send the Cardinals to their first World Series in eighteen years.
Old Gussie's gravely voice could be heard on the radio at that moment, proclaiming this day to be the happiest of his "live-long life" as Harry couldn't stop repeating his excited summation of what had just transpired: "The Cardinals win the pennant!"
Of course, the Cardinals also went on to win the World Series, as well. Even though Bob Gibson - still arm-weary from his recent late season activity - lost Game 2 - he would pitch heroically in Games 5 and 7 to earn his first World Series MVP honor.
Even better performances in baseball's grandest stage would lie ahead for the great Gibson - who was just beginning to write his own World Series legacy.
On the last day of probably the most miraculous season in major league histroy, the Cardinals salvaged the final game of a season-ending three-game series with the lowly New York Mets - to claim their first National League pennant since 1946. Bob Gibson, who lost a heart-breaking eight-inning start on Friday night, worked four innings of gutsy relief to get the win in the clincher - as the Cardinals eventually cruised to a memorable 11-5 win.
Ironically, the team the Redbirds spent most of the summer chasing down - the Philadelphia Phillies - gave the Cardinals the help they needed with a 10-0 drubbing of the Cincinnati Reds - co-leaders with St Louis at the start of play today. The win moved Philadelphia into a second-place tie with Cincinnati - both with 92-70 records - one game behind the Cardinals, who somehow finished at 93-69.
Thankfully, the Cardinals avoided the three game-sweep to the worst team in baseball. Otherwise, the top spot in the National League would have resulted in an unprecedented three-way tie - with all sorts of convoluted playoff possibilities, which more than likely would have resulted in the survivor of the pandemonium heading into the Fall Classic confrontation with the New York Yankees with a less than favorable starting rotation. More than likely, the Bronx Bombers would have emerged victorious in Mickey Mantle's final World Series appearance, instead of falling to the Cardinals in seven games.
Despite the seemingly lopsided victory, this game was a nail-biter until the Redbirds finally took command about halfway through.
The Cardinals grabbed a second-inning 1-0 lead off Mets starter Galen Cisco - on Mike Shannon's two-out RBI single - scoring Tim McCarver - who opened the inning with a double.
In the fourth-inning, the Mets tied the game on Charlie Smith's two-out solo home run off Cards starter Curt Simmons.
In the bottom half of the fourth, Dick Groat's lead-off double nearly went to waste, but Dal Maxvill of all people, lined a two-out single to center to bring the go-ahead run home: 2-1 - St Louis.
The lead quickly evaporated as the Mets batted in the fifth-inning. George Altman started the trouble with a single, then advanced to second on Cisco's sacrifice bunt. Bobby Klaus then lifted a fly ball deep to right field which Altman thought would be caught - but it landed safely, as Klaus made it all the way to second, while Altman only advanced to third. However, the next batter - Ken McMillan - scored both runners with a double of his own to left field. Suddenly, the Mets had a 3-2 lead.
Manager Johnny Keane had seen enough. In from the bullpen to replace a tiring Simmons came the Cardinals' ace - Bob Gibson - to restore order. He was working on just one day's rest - after pitching masterfully in a painful 1-0 loss to Al Jackson on Friday night. But with the entire season on the line, he made himself available for duty in this game, if needed. And he was needed, as Simmons was out of gas.
Gibson retired the next two Mets batters to keep the deficit at a single run - before an inspired Cardinals' lineup seized control of the game in the bottom half of the inning. Lou Brock led-off with a base on balls, then advanced to second on Bill White's base hit to right field. Ken Boyer's double to left field scored Brock with the tying run - as manager Casey Stengel brought in reliever Bill Wakefield to take over for Cisco - attempting to get out of this second and third no-out predicament.
The first batter Wakefield faced - Dick Groat - gave the Cardinals a lead they would not relinquish - on a ground-out to the second baseman - scoring White from third as Boyer advanced to third.
After McCarver was intentionally walked, Shannon struck out - but Maxvill did it again - a two-out RBI single to right field - scoring Boyer to give the Cardinals a 5-3 lead. With Cincinnati getting clobbered at home to the Phillies, everyone in the ballpark knew a pennant was very likely going to be won today by the home town team. Electricity filled the air.
Gibson - clearly arm-weary on such short rest - faltered in the sixth-inning, but avoided serious trouble. A two-out bases loaded walk to Klaus made it a 5-4 game - but a collective sigh of relief could be heard throughout old Busch Stadium when McMillan grounded out to end the threat.
The festive mood at the ballpark intensified when the Cards scored three more runs in the bottom half of the sixth off reliever Willard Hunter. Brock's one-out double preceded White's two-run home run - then later in the frame, after Boyer walked, McCarver brought him in with a ringing double to right: 8-4 - St Louis.
Curt Flood put the crowd into a frenzy with a lead-off eighth-inning home run - then with two out, Boyer drew another base on balls, advanced to third on Groat's double, and both runners scored on McCarver's single to center: 11-4 - St Louis.
By this time, the irascible Cardinals owner, Gussie Busch had joined the wildly exuberant broadcaster - Harry Caray, who had moved down to the field-level box seats to capture the excitement of this inevitable pennant-clinching moment. The party was delayed momentarily when an exhausted Gibson could no longer maintain control of his pitches - walking two batters as the Mets took their final turn at bat in the ninth. With two on and one out, Barney Schultz and his dancing knuckle ball took over for Gibby, who departed the mound to a standing ovation from the appreciative fans. Eventually, one run came scored but Schultz got the final out of the season - inducing Ed Kranepool into popping a foul ball behind home plate - which McCarver grabbed - to send the Cardinals to their first World Series in eighteen years.
Old Gussie's gravely voice could be heard on the radio at that moment, proclaiming this day to be the happiest of his "live-long life" as Harry couldn't stop repeating his excited summation of what had just transpired: "The Cardinals win the pennant!"
Of course, the Cardinals also went on to win the World Series, as well. Even though Bob Gibson - still arm-weary from his recent late season activity - lost Game 2 - he would pitch heroically in Games 5 and 7 to earn his first World Series MVP honor.
Even better performances in baseball's grandest stage would lie ahead for the great Gibson - who was just beginning to write his own World Series legacy.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
October 1, 2012 - Magic Number Down to One For Wild Cards
Monday, October 1, 2012 - At Busch Stadium III (Jaime Garcia - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Bronson Arroyo - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 38,480
The Cardinals got a quality start out of Jaime Garcia - not to mention a quality at bat - as the Redbirds beat the Cincinnati Reds by a score of 4-2, to remain two games ahead of the Dodgers for that second wild card spot. With just two games remaining on the schedule for both teams, the magic number to clinch their second straight postseason berth was down to a single game - one more St Louis win or one more LA loss would do the trick - and as it turned out, they got one of each.
This particular game was technically, a come-from-behind victory - although they weren't behind for long. Cincinnati scored a third-inning run on a one-out single from Drew Stubbs, a sacrifice bunt from pitcher Bronson Arroyo, and a single off the bat of Brandon Phillips - who was greeted with the usual chorus of boos from the non-appreciative Cards fans in the ballpark tonight.
Jaime Garcia personally got that run back, leading-off the bottom of the third for St Louis - with a well placed fly ball down the right field line that barely drifted into the seats for a game-tying home run. Inspired, the Redbirds kept pecking away at Arroyo. With one out, Carlos Beltran - arguably the best free agent signing in major league baseball in the wake of the Pujols defection - started the rally with a base on balls. After Matt Holliday singled to center, Allen Craig scored Beltran with a double down the left field line - then Yadier Molina scored Holliday with a sacrifice fly deep to center field.
In the St Louis sixth, Molina singled off reliever Alfredo Simon with one out - then scored on Daniel Descalso's two-out triple, to pad the lead to 4-1.
The Reds struck back in the seventh. With one out, former Cardinal fan-favorite Scott Rolen, launched a double deep to center field, then advanced to third on a rare passed ball by Molina. Ryan Hanigan brought Rolen in with a sacrifice fly to left field - to reduce the Cardinal lead to 4-2.
But that's as close as it got. After Drew Stubs singled with two out in the seventh, manager Mike Matheny brought in Edward Mujica to face Chris Heisey - and he got his man on a popup to second.
Mitchell Boggs pitched a perfect eighth, setting up Jason Motte for his National League-leading 41st save of the season. After retiring Jay Bruce on a ground ball to second, Motte finished 'em off in style - striking out Rolen and Hanigan to put this one in the win column for the Redbirds.
The 2012 Cardinals were about to prove the skeptics - who doubted they had what it took to reach the postseason without the services of the departed Pujols - wrong. Not only would the underdog Cardinals reach the postseason - they would go deep into the postseason. Alas, they would fall a game short of playing in their second consecutive World Series - but more postseason magic would unfold in the next year with another trip to the Fall Classic.
Alas, they lost to the Boston Red Sox last year - but while Boston was busy finishing in last place in the American League East in 2014, the Cardinals were winning an improbable NL Central title - and hoping to take care of unfinished business from last year's postseason run.
The Cardinals got a quality start out of Jaime Garcia - not to mention a quality at bat - as the Redbirds beat the Cincinnati Reds by a score of 4-2, to remain two games ahead of the Dodgers for that second wild card spot. With just two games remaining on the schedule for both teams, the magic number to clinch their second straight postseason berth was down to a single game - one more St Louis win or one more LA loss would do the trick - and as it turned out, they got one of each.
This particular game was technically, a come-from-behind victory - although they weren't behind for long. Cincinnati scored a third-inning run on a one-out single from Drew Stubbs, a sacrifice bunt from pitcher Bronson Arroyo, and a single off the bat of Brandon Phillips - who was greeted with the usual chorus of boos from the non-appreciative Cards fans in the ballpark tonight.
Jaime Garcia personally got that run back, leading-off the bottom of the third for St Louis - with a well placed fly ball down the right field line that barely drifted into the seats for a game-tying home run. Inspired, the Redbirds kept pecking away at Arroyo. With one out, Carlos Beltran - arguably the best free agent signing in major league baseball in the wake of the Pujols defection - started the rally with a base on balls. After Matt Holliday singled to center, Allen Craig scored Beltran with a double down the left field line - then Yadier Molina scored Holliday with a sacrifice fly deep to center field.
In the St Louis sixth, Molina singled off reliever Alfredo Simon with one out - then scored on Daniel Descalso's two-out triple, to pad the lead to 4-1.
The Reds struck back in the seventh. With one out, former Cardinal fan-favorite Scott Rolen, launched a double deep to center field, then advanced to third on a rare passed ball by Molina. Ryan Hanigan brought Rolen in with a sacrifice fly to left field - to reduce the Cardinal lead to 4-2.
But that's as close as it got. After Drew Stubs singled with two out in the seventh, manager Mike Matheny brought in Edward Mujica to face Chris Heisey - and he got his man on a popup to second.
Mitchell Boggs pitched a perfect eighth, setting up Jason Motte for his National League-leading 41st save of the season. After retiring Jay Bruce on a ground ball to second, Motte finished 'em off in style - striking out Rolen and Hanigan to put this one in the win column for the Redbirds.
The 2012 Cardinals were about to prove the skeptics - who doubted they had what it took to reach the postseason without the services of the departed Pujols - wrong. Not only would the underdog Cardinals reach the postseason - they would go deep into the postseason. Alas, they would fall a game short of playing in their second consecutive World Series - but more postseason magic would unfold in the next year with another trip to the Fall Classic.
Alas, they lost to the Boston Red Sox last year - but while Boston was busy finishing in last place in the American League East in 2014, the Cardinals were winning an improbable NL Central title - and hoping to take care of unfinished business from last year's postseason run.
Monday, September 29, 2014
September 29, 1964 - Cards Grab Share of First-Place with Win Over Phillies
Tuesday, September 29, 1964 - At Busch Stadium I (Ray Sadecki - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies (Dennis Bennett - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 27,433
In the second game of a three-game series, the Cardinals finally grabbed a share of first-place in the tight National League pennant race with a 4-2 win over the reeling Philadelphia Phillies - who had fallen into third-place - a game and a half behind the Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds - who were beaten tonight at home by the Pittsburgh Pirates, by a 2-0 score.
The Pirates were no doubt in a foul mood when they arrived in Cincinnati - after losing five straight at home to the Cardinals. The rare five-game series sweep catapulted the Redbirds into second-place as the season moved into the final week of the season. After '64, the only other time St Louis has swept a five-game series was in 1982 - when they victimized the New York Mets in another September postseason drive - which also happened to coincide with a world championship season.
This particular game marked the Redbirds' seventh straight win - sending the Phillies to their ninth straight loss. St Louis would get the series sweep the following night to cap off the worst ten days in Philadelphia Phillies' history - which began with a disastrous 0-7 home-stand (September 21 - 27) and continued with this three-game series sweep at the hands of the Cardinals (September 28 - 30).
The Cardinals wasted little time in taking command of this game - scoring a first-inning run on an RBI double by Dick Groat - then tacking on two more runs in the second-inning on three hits - and in the process, chased Phillies starter Dennis Bennett (12-14) out of the game after just 1.1 innings of work. The Philadelphia bullpen (five relievers) did a credible job, aside from a sixth-inning solo home run off the bat of Bill White which John Boozer allowed in his thee-inning stint.
Cardinal starter Ray Sadecki limited the Phillies to a pair of runs in 6.2 innings pitched - both scoring on a pinch hit bases loaded single by Gus Triandos.
After Sadecki found himself in a two-out seventh-inning jam - runners on first and third with Dick Allen coming up to bat - manager Johnny Keane went to the bullpen - bringing in Barney Schultz - who not only got out of this jam - finished off the Phillies in the eighth and ninth-innings - allowing no hits, just one walk, while striking out two.
Sadecki (20-10) got the win, as Schultz bagged his 13th save of the season.
The season was winding down to the final weekend. A wild finish was definitely in order.
In the second game of a three-game series, the Cardinals finally grabbed a share of first-place in the tight National League pennant race with a 4-2 win over the reeling Philadelphia Phillies - who had fallen into third-place - a game and a half behind the Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds - who were beaten tonight at home by the Pittsburgh Pirates, by a 2-0 score.
The Pirates were no doubt in a foul mood when they arrived in Cincinnati - after losing five straight at home to the Cardinals. The rare five-game series sweep catapulted the Redbirds into second-place as the season moved into the final week of the season. After '64, the only other time St Louis has swept a five-game series was in 1982 - when they victimized the New York Mets in another September postseason drive - which also happened to coincide with a world championship season.
This particular game marked the Redbirds' seventh straight win - sending the Phillies to their ninth straight loss. St Louis would get the series sweep the following night to cap off the worst ten days in Philadelphia Phillies' history - which began with a disastrous 0-7 home-stand (September 21 - 27) and continued with this three-game series sweep at the hands of the Cardinals (September 28 - 30).
The Cardinals wasted little time in taking command of this game - scoring a first-inning run on an RBI double by Dick Groat - then tacking on two more runs in the second-inning on three hits - and in the process, chased Phillies starter Dennis Bennett (12-14) out of the game after just 1.1 innings of work. The Philadelphia bullpen (five relievers) did a credible job, aside from a sixth-inning solo home run off the bat of Bill White which John Boozer allowed in his thee-inning stint.
Cardinal starter Ray Sadecki limited the Phillies to a pair of runs in 6.2 innings pitched - both scoring on a pinch hit bases loaded single by Gus Triandos.
After Sadecki found himself in a two-out seventh-inning jam - runners on first and third with Dick Allen coming up to bat - manager Johnny Keane went to the bullpen - bringing in Barney Schultz - who not only got out of this jam - finished off the Phillies in the eighth and ninth-innings - allowing no hits, just one walk, while striking out two.
Sadecki (20-10) got the win, as Schultz bagged his 13th save of the season.
The season was winding down to the final weekend. A wild finish was definitely in order.
Monday, September 15, 2014
September 15: Road Wins for the '60's Pennant Winners
Tuesday, September 15, 1964 - At County Stadium (Ray Sadecki - Game One Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Milwaukee Braves (Tony Cloninger - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 5,843
In the first game of a doubleheader with the Milwaukee Braves, Mike Shannon broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth-inning with a two-out three-run home run off Tony Cloninger (16-13) - en route to an 11-6 win. Ray Sadecki (17-10) certainly had better games, but managed to record the win, with 2.2 innings of relief help from Barney Schultz - who picked up his seventh save of the season.
Game Two Starting Pitchers: Bob Gibson vs Wade Blasingame
The Cardinals completed the sweep, with a 3-1 win in the nightcap.
Trailing 1-0 with two out in the seventh-inning, Julian Javier's two-run home run off Wade Blasingame (5-5) put the Cardinals in front to stay. Dick Groat's RBI double in the eighth-inning scored Curt Flood with an insurance run.
Gibson (16-10) went the distance - yielding the one lone run on four hits. He walked four and struck out twelve, as St Louis (82-63) picked up a half game in the standings on first-place Philadelphia (88-57) - 1-0 winners in Houston.
The Cardinals were still six games behind the Phillies - with just seventeen games to be played.
Friday, September 15, 1967 - At Crosley Field (Steve Carlton - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Gary Nolan - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 13,797
The Cardinals drew one step closer to clinching the National League pennant, as Steve Carlton (14-8) was brilliant - tossing a complete-game two-hit shutout in the Redbirds' 4-0 win over the Reds.
Mike Shannon broke a scoreless tie - connecting for a three-run home run in the third-inning off Gary Nolan (13-7). Later that inning, Carlton helped his own cause with an RBI single - scoring Javier from second. But tonight, he obviously didn't need the insurance.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals (92-56) now led the pack by 10.5 games with just fourteen games remaining on the schedule. They would clinch the pennant in Game 151 - in Philadelphia.
Sunday, September 15, 1968 - At The Astrodome (Steve Carlton - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Houston Astros (Don Wilson - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 16,638
In Game 151, the Cardinals clinched the National League pennant with a 7-4 win over the Astros. Steve Carlton (14-8) wasn't nearly as sharp as he was one year earlier, but he went the distance - recovering from a first-inning two-run home run he served up to Jim Wynn - to hold the Astros in check while his teammates heated up the offense.
Trailing 2-1 in the third-inning, Roger Maris gave the Cardinals a lead they would not relinquish - with a two-run home run off Don Wilson (13-15). Maris also added a sacrifice fly, as the Redbirds tacked on four more runs - giving Carlton a nice cushion - before Houston scored a couple of meaningless late-inning runs.
Curt Flood had a flawless day at the plate - with five singles in five plate appearances - scoring two runs, and driving in one. Last season's NL MVP - Orlando Cepeda - had two hits - good for two RBI - and later led the Cardinals in their post game champagne-soaked clubhouse celebration.
In two full seasons playing in St Louis, Cepeda became an all-time fan favorite - but would be traded to the Atlanta Braves for Joe Torre, shortly before the start of the '69 season. For Cepeda and the Braves, the trade was a good one. Atlanta would reach the postseason before being eliminated by the New York Mets in the first-ever NLCS.
Torre played well for the Cardinals - but the team never quite made it to the postseason during his six year tenure in St Louis. An aging group of core players and some bad trades turned the franchise into also-rans in the '70's.
In the first game of a doubleheader with the Milwaukee Braves, Mike Shannon broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth-inning with a two-out three-run home run off Tony Cloninger (16-13) - en route to an 11-6 win. Ray Sadecki (17-10) certainly had better games, but managed to record the win, with 2.2 innings of relief help from Barney Schultz - who picked up his seventh save of the season.
Game Two Starting Pitchers: Bob Gibson vs Wade Blasingame
The Cardinals completed the sweep, with a 3-1 win in the nightcap.
Trailing 1-0 with two out in the seventh-inning, Julian Javier's two-run home run off Wade Blasingame (5-5) put the Cardinals in front to stay. Dick Groat's RBI double in the eighth-inning scored Curt Flood with an insurance run.
Gibson (16-10) went the distance - yielding the one lone run on four hits. He walked four and struck out twelve, as St Louis (82-63) picked up a half game in the standings on first-place Philadelphia (88-57) - 1-0 winners in Houston.
The Cardinals were still six games behind the Phillies - with just seventeen games to be played.
Friday, September 15, 1967 - At Crosley Field (Steve Carlton - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Gary Nolan - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 13,797
The Cardinals drew one step closer to clinching the National League pennant, as Steve Carlton (14-8) was brilliant - tossing a complete-game two-hit shutout in the Redbirds' 4-0 win over the Reds.
Mike Shannon broke a scoreless tie - connecting for a three-run home run in the third-inning off Gary Nolan (13-7). Later that inning, Carlton helped his own cause with an RBI single - scoring Javier from second. But tonight, he obviously didn't need the insurance.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals (92-56) now led the pack by 10.5 games with just fourteen games remaining on the schedule. They would clinch the pennant in Game 151 - in Philadelphia.
Sunday, September 15, 1968 - At The Astrodome (Steve Carlton - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Houston Astros (Don Wilson - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 16,638
In Game 151, the Cardinals clinched the National League pennant with a 7-4 win over the Astros. Steve Carlton (14-8) wasn't nearly as sharp as he was one year earlier, but he went the distance - recovering from a first-inning two-run home run he served up to Jim Wynn - to hold the Astros in check while his teammates heated up the offense.
Trailing 2-1 in the third-inning, Roger Maris gave the Cardinals a lead they would not relinquish - with a two-run home run off Don Wilson (13-15). Maris also added a sacrifice fly, as the Redbirds tacked on four more runs - giving Carlton a nice cushion - before Houston scored a couple of meaningless late-inning runs.
Curt Flood had a flawless day at the plate - with five singles in five plate appearances - scoring two runs, and driving in one. Last season's NL MVP - Orlando Cepeda - had two hits - good for two RBI - and later led the Cardinals in their post game champagne-soaked clubhouse celebration.
In two full seasons playing in St Louis, Cepeda became an all-time fan favorite - but would be traded to the Atlanta Braves for Joe Torre, shortly before the start of the '69 season. For Cepeda and the Braves, the trade was a good one. Atlanta would reach the postseason before being eliminated by the New York Mets in the first-ever NLCS.
Torre played well for the Cardinals - but the team never quite made it to the postseason during his six year tenure in St Louis. An aging group of core players and some bad trades turned the franchise into also-rans in the '70's.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
September 7, 1964 - Cards Walk-Off Both Ends of Labor Day Doubleheader Over Reds
Monday, September 6, 1964 - At Busch Stadium I (Game One Starting Pitcher - Bob Gibson) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Jim O'Toole - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 22,187
The Cardinals completed an improbable 12-3 home-stand with a doubleheader sweep of the Cincinnati Reds by identical 3-2 walk-off scores - to move into a second-place tie with Cincinnati. Both teams have identical 77-61 records - and trail the Philadelphia Phillies - who split their doubleheader with the Dodgers - by 6.5 games.
Although I suspect this is the first time in franchise history the Cardinals had swept a doubleheader in walk-off fashion by identical scores - I have no data to support that theory. It's just an educated guess. I also suspect this is the first 12-3 home-stand in franchise history that ended in six walk-off wins - including the last three in a row. Again, just pure speculation.
Of course, lots of unusual events occurred during the course of the '64 season. It just so happened that most of these strange occurrences took place in September - especially after September 17.
In the meantime, the first game of this doubleheader was expected to be a pitchers' duel - and it was. The Cardinals grabbed a 2-0 third-inning lead off Reds starter Jim O'Toole - who really only made one mistake during his six-inning stint - a pitch to Ken Boyer with two out and Curt Flood on second - which Boyer belted into the left field bleachers - his 20th home run of the season.
Cardinal starter Bob Gibson then gave up a fourth-inning lead-off home run to Deron Johnson to cut the lead in half - and that's where the score remained through eight innings. Cincinnati threatened to score in their half of the eighth - when Vada Pinson opened the inning with a double - but was nailed trying to advance to third on Frank Robinson's grounder to second baseman Javier. When Hoolie fired a strike to third baseman Boyer, Pinson put on the brakes and retreated back towards second. Boyer's throw to shortstop Groat had Pinson reapplying the brakes and changing directions once again. By this time, an alert Bob Gibson got in the act - taking the throw from Groat - then chasing down Pinson, who was again heading back towards second - just about the time the batter - Robinson - had safely arrived at second. With no place to escape, Gibson applied the tag on the elusive Pinson.
Gibson retired the next two batters to strand Robinson at second - but the relentless Reds tied the game in the ninth - although they missed a golden opportunity to take the lead. Back-to-back doubles by Edwards and Cardenas not only tied the game, 2-2 - the Reds now had a runner in scoring position with nobody out.
Manager Johnny Keane had no thought of removing his starter. This was Gibson's game to win or lose. With pinch hitter Marty Keough now batting, Gibson blew a two-strike fastball by him to record the first out. Another pinch hitter - Don Pavletich - was retired on a fly ball to left field - then Gibson got Ruiz on a pop fly to short to retire the side. One run on two hits - but as far as the Cardinals were concerned, that was a bargain.
As reliever Bill Henry entered the game to start the bottom of the ninth, Pavletich became the new catcher, as second baseman Chico Ruiz moved over to third base. This new defensive alignment would immediately determine the game's outcome - in one of the most bizarre series of plays ever witnessed in a major league game.
Henry - who was nearly flawless all season long, with an ERA well below 1.00 - walked Boyer to start the fun. With Bill White batting, the new catcher - Pavletich - had trouble "catching" two consecutive pitches. On each passed ball, Boyer moved up a base. By the time White drew a base on balls, Boyer was perched on third base - representing the winning run.
Manager Dick Sisler removed Henry for the eccentric Ryne Duren - who retired pinch hitter Bob Skinner on a foul popup to the new third baseman - Ruiz.
Time for another new reliever - Billy McCool - to face pinch hitter Tim McCarver - who also hit a little pop fly to the same spot - but this time, Ruiz managed to drop the ball. The error proved costly, as McCarver lined the next pitch to center - a walk-off single - scoring Boyer with the winning run - which of course, was an unearned run. But it was a 3-2 win, nonetheless.
GAME TWO (Roger Craig vs John Tsitouris)
After the bizarre ending to the first game, it only seemed logical that the second game would be decided in the Cardinals' final turn at bat - resulting in another 3-2 win.
This time, Cincinnati scored first - with one run on three hits in the first-inning off spot-starter/long-reliever Roger Craig.
Lou Brock quickly tied the game with a solo home run off John Tsitouris in the bottom of the first.
Cincinnati regained the lead in the third-inning when Vada Pinson hit a one-out double, then came in to score on Frank Robinson's RBI single.
Tim McCarver - the walk-off hero from game one - tied this game in the seventh with a home run.
Meanwhile, knuckle ball reliever Barney Schultz entered the game in the sixth-inning, and became the pitcher of record after McCarver's game-tying home run. In his four innings of work, Barney would yield just two hits - and no runs - waiting for his teammates to score a run in the bottom of the ninth to give him his first win of the season (1-2).
Joe Nuxhall - who entered the game after McCarver's seventh-inning home run, was still on the mound to start the ninth. Nuxhall had a fascinating career - which began on June 18, 1944 - at the tender age of fifteen. In a game against the Cardinals at Crosley Field, Nuxhall was summoned in from the World War II-depleted Reds' bullpen to start the ninth inning - with the Reds down by a 13-0 score. By the time the nervous kid was relieved of his duties, his pitching line read: 0.2 IP - 2 H - 5 R - 5 BB
Strangely enough, the first hit Nuxhall surrendered in a major league game came off the bat of a twenty-three year-old Stan Musial. Nuxhall's major league career would be put on hold - with a career ERA of 67.50 - until 1952 - when at the age of twenty-three, he was actually ready for The Show.
Now, twenty years after making that inauspicious debut, the crusty veteran was facing Tim McCarver to start the ninth-inning. Single to center field. Next up - Julian Javier - hit a ground ball to first baseman Johnson - who forced the runner at second, as Javier beat the relay throw back to first.
With pinch hitter Charlie James (for Schultz) batting, Javier stole second - prompting manager Dick Sisler to order an intentional walk to Charlie. I'll never understand that strategy. Curt Flood - a notorious .300 hitter - was the next batter. After that, Lou Brock would be due up next.
The final call to the bullpen was made, with Sammy Ellis now pitching to Flood. Like McCarver had done in the first game, Flood lined a game-winning single to center - scoring Javier for the second straight 3-2 walk-off win. It was deja vu all over again.
The Cardinals were on their way to the National League pennant (93-69). The Reds and Phillies were on their way to a second-place tie (92-70).
Needless to say, it's a good thing the Cards swept this doubleheader. A split would have put them in the second-place tie with the Phillies. Yikes.
The Cardinals completed an improbable 12-3 home-stand with a doubleheader sweep of the Cincinnati Reds by identical 3-2 walk-off scores - to move into a second-place tie with Cincinnati. Both teams have identical 77-61 records - and trail the Philadelphia Phillies - who split their doubleheader with the Dodgers - by 6.5 games.
Although I suspect this is the first time in franchise history the Cardinals had swept a doubleheader in walk-off fashion by identical scores - I have no data to support that theory. It's just an educated guess. I also suspect this is the first 12-3 home-stand in franchise history that ended in six walk-off wins - including the last three in a row. Again, just pure speculation.
Of course, lots of unusual events occurred during the course of the '64 season. It just so happened that most of these strange occurrences took place in September - especially after September 17.
In the meantime, the first game of this doubleheader was expected to be a pitchers' duel - and it was. The Cardinals grabbed a 2-0 third-inning lead off Reds starter Jim O'Toole - who really only made one mistake during his six-inning stint - a pitch to Ken Boyer with two out and Curt Flood on second - which Boyer belted into the left field bleachers - his 20th home run of the season.
Cardinal starter Bob Gibson then gave up a fourth-inning lead-off home run to Deron Johnson to cut the lead in half - and that's where the score remained through eight innings. Cincinnati threatened to score in their half of the eighth - when Vada Pinson opened the inning with a double - but was nailed trying to advance to third on Frank Robinson's grounder to second baseman Javier. When Hoolie fired a strike to third baseman Boyer, Pinson put on the brakes and retreated back towards second. Boyer's throw to shortstop Groat had Pinson reapplying the brakes and changing directions once again. By this time, an alert Bob Gibson got in the act - taking the throw from Groat - then chasing down Pinson, who was again heading back towards second - just about the time the batter - Robinson - had safely arrived at second. With no place to escape, Gibson applied the tag on the elusive Pinson.
Gibson retired the next two batters to strand Robinson at second - but the relentless Reds tied the game in the ninth - although they missed a golden opportunity to take the lead. Back-to-back doubles by Edwards and Cardenas not only tied the game, 2-2 - the Reds now had a runner in scoring position with nobody out.
Manager Johnny Keane had no thought of removing his starter. This was Gibson's game to win or lose. With pinch hitter Marty Keough now batting, Gibson blew a two-strike fastball by him to record the first out. Another pinch hitter - Don Pavletich - was retired on a fly ball to left field - then Gibson got Ruiz on a pop fly to short to retire the side. One run on two hits - but as far as the Cardinals were concerned, that was a bargain.
As reliever Bill Henry entered the game to start the bottom of the ninth, Pavletich became the new catcher, as second baseman Chico Ruiz moved over to third base. This new defensive alignment would immediately determine the game's outcome - in one of the most bizarre series of plays ever witnessed in a major league game.
Henry - who was nearly flawless all season long, with an ERA well below 1.00 - walked Boyer to start the fun. With Bill White batting, the new catcher - Pavletich - had trouble "catching" two consecutive pitches. On each passed ball, Boyer moved up a base. By the time White drew a base on balls, Boyer was perched on third base - representing the winning run.
Manager Dick Sisler removed Henry for the eccentric Ryne Duren - who retired pinch hitter Bob Skinner on a foul popup to the new third baseman - Ruiz.
Time for another new reliever - Billy McCool - to face pinch hitter Tim McCarver - who also hit a little pop fly to the same spot - but this time, Ruiz managed to drop the ball. The error proved costly, as McCarver lined the next pitch to center - a walk-off single - scoring Boyer with the winning run - which of course, was an unearned run. But it was a 3-2 win, nonetheless.
GAME TWO (Roger Craig vs John Tsitouris)
After the bizarre ending to the first game, it only seemed logical that the second game would be decided in the Cardinals' final turn at bat - resulting in another 3-2 win.
This time, Cincinnati scored first - with one run on three hits in the first-inning off spot-starter/long-reliever Roger Craig.
Lou Brock quickly tied the game with a solo home run off John Tsitouris in the bottom of the first.
Cincinnati regained the lead in the third-inning when Vada Pinson hit a one-out double, then came in to score on Frank Robinson's RBI single.
Tim McCarver - the walk-off hero from game one - tied this game in the seventh with a home run.
Meanwhile, knuckle ball reliever Barney Schultz entered the game in the sixth-inning, and became the pitcher of record after McCarver's game-tying home run. In his four innings of work, Barney would yield just two hits - and no runs - waiting for his teammates to score a run in the bottom of the ninth to give him his first win of the season (1-2).
Joe Nuxhall - who entered the game after McCarver's seventh-inning home run, was still on the mound to start the ninth. Nuxhall had a fascinating career - which began on June 18, 1944 - at the tender age of fifteen. In a game against the Cardinals at Crosley Field, Nuxhall was summoned in from the World War II-depleted Reds' bullpen to start the ninth inning - with the Reds down by a 13-0 score. By the time the nervous kid was relieved of his duties, his pitching line read: 0.2 IP - 2 H - 5 R - 5 BB
Strangely enough, the first hit Nuxhall surrendered in a major league game came off the bat of a twenty-three year-old Stan Musial. Nuxhall's major league career would be put on hold - with a career ERA of 67.50 - until 1952 - when at the age of twenty-three, he was actually ready for The Show.
Now, twenty years after making that inauspicious debut, the crusty veteran was facing Tim McCarver to start the ninth-inning. Single to center field. Next up - Julian Javier - hit a ground ball to first baseman Johnson - who forced the runner at second, as Javier beat the relay throw back to first.
With pinch hitter Charlie James (for Schultz) batting, Javier stole second - prompting manager Dick Sisler to order an intentional walk to Charlie. I'll never understand that strategy. Curt Flood - a notorious .300 hitter - was the next batter. After that, Lou Brock would be due up next.
The final call to the bullpen was made, with Sammy Ellis now pitching to Flood. Like McCarver had done in the first game, Flood lined a game-winning single to center - scoring Javier for the second straight 3-2 walk-off win. It was deja vu all over again.
The Cardinals were on their way to the National League pennant (93-69). The Reds and Phillies were on their way to a second-place tie (92-70).
Needless to say, it's a good thing the Cards swept this doubleheader. A split would have put them in the second-place tie with the Phillies. Yikes.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
This Day in St Louis Cardinals History: August 28, 1969 - 1970 - 1971 - Three for Thursday!
Thursday, August 28, 1969 - At Busch Stadium II (Steve Carlton - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Houston Astros (Don Wilson - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 13,754
The Astros scored an unearned first-inning run off Cardinals' starter Steve Carlton (8 IP - 6 H - 1 R - 0 ER - 3 BB - 10 SO) - and that was it.
Joe Hoerner pitched an inning of perfect relief - striking out two in the ninth.
Joe Hoerner pitched an inning of perfect relief - striking out two in the ninth.
Meanwhile, Astros starter Don Wilson held the Cardinals scoreless until the ninth-inning - when Dave Ricketts scored Vada Pinson from third with a sacrifice fly.
After reliever Mudcat Grant (7-10) retired the Astros in order in the tenth-inning - Redbird utility infielder Steve Huntz led off the bottom of the tenth with a walk-off home run - handing Wilson (16-9) the tough-luck loss.
Friday, August 28, 1970 - At Dodger Stadium (Jerry Reuss - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: LA Dodgers (Don Sutton - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 19,964
Joe Torre broke a scoreless tie with a ninth-inning lead-off home run off Dodgers' starter Don Sutton (13-10).
Cardinals' starter Jerry Reuss (5-5) pitched a complete game two-hit shutout - striking out five - walking one.
Saturday, August 28, 1971 - At Busch Stadium II (Bob Gibson - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Gary Nolan - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 40,823
Exactly two weeks after no-hitting the Pirates, Bob Gibson (13-11) was almost as dominant in this start against the Reds - a complete game three-hit shutout - striking out thirteen - walking one.
The Cardinals scored a pair of third-inning runs off Reds' starter Gary Nolan (11-13) - RBI singles by Ted Sizemore and Joe Torre gave Gibson more than enough run support tonight - although they added two more runs in the fifth - on another Sizemore RBI single along with an unearned run on a botched play by the catcher - future Hall of Famer - Johnny Bench.
August 27, 1981 - Hendrick's 13th-Inning Home Run a Game Winner Over Padres
Thursday, August 27, 1981 - At Jack Murphy Stadium (Bob Forsch - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: San Diego Padres (Rick Wise - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 7,056
George Hendrick drove in all three runs for the Cardinals - including a thirteenth-inning solo home run - to lift St Louis to a 3-2 win over the Padres. Jim Kaat (6-2) - the fifth pitcher used by manager Whitey Herzog - pitched 2.1 innings of scoreless relief to record the win.
Bob Forsch worked the first 7.2 innings - allowing just one run on five hits - but a blown save by Bruce Sutter gave the San Diego fans some bonus baseball in this strike-shortened debacle of a season.
Prior to receiving four innings of free baseball, the San Diego fans were blessed with the tearful reunion of former-Padres outfielder George Hendrick - who greeted the faithful gathering with a two-out third-inning double - scoring Tommy Herr and Ken Oberkfell with the first two runs of the game.
Padres starting pitcher - Rick Wise - the guy the Cardinals acquired before the '72 season in exchange for Steve Carlton - allowed just those two runs in his six innings of work. The San Diego bullpen - Boone, Lucas and Littlefield - took care of the next six innings of scoreless relief - until another former Cardinal hurler - John Curtis - entered the game in the thirteenth.
Before all that excitement, the eighth and ninth inning offensive outburst by the Padres lineup made it all possible.
Forsch was still working on a shutout with two out and a runner on third in the bottom of the eighth - when pinch hitter Randy Bass got San Diego on the board with a single to center - scoring Luis Salazar.
At that point, Herzog decided to bring in his well-rested closer - Bruce Sutter (all the players in major league baseball were well-rested - thanks to their two-month strike-inflicted summer vacation). Sutter struck out future teammate Ozzie Smith to end the inning - but trouble lurked ahead.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Gene Richards singled to left. Sutter then struck out Rupert Jones for the second out - but another former Cardinal - Terry Kennedy - singled to center - advancing Richards to third. Broderick Perkins then tied the game with another single to send the crowd into a post-strike frenzy. Free baseball! The fans were certainly getting their money's worth tonight.
Proving that the ninth inning was just a fluke, Sutter came back and pitched a scoreless tenth, before a new St Louis reliever - Bob Shirley - created more excitement in the eleventh.
Bob was a bit wild - walking the first two batters - Richards and Jones - before retiring a pinch hitter by the name of Gwosdz on a ground ball to third - advancing the runners to second and third.
Herzog then brought in Mark Littel - whose first order of business was an intentional walk to Perkins. With the bases loaded, there was no place to put Luis Salazar - so Littel struck him out.
Herzog made his final pitching change - as Jim Kaat was summoned to face Jim Lefebvre - and he got him on a force out at second base - to extend the free baseball for the unappreciative fans (by this time, they wanted to go home - savoring a Padres' victory).
After both teams failed to score in the twelfth-inning, St Louis seemed unlikely to score in the thirteenth - as Oberkfell grounded out and Keith Hernandez looked at a called third strike. But George Hendrick stepped up to the plate and whacked one into the nearly vacated left field bleachers - to give the Cardinals a 3-2 lead.
By the time one of the spectators meandered over to locate the home run ball from their former hero - Kaat retired the side in order - to preserve what seemed to be a very important win for the Cardinals (40-25) - who were in first place - 2.5 games ahead of Philadelphia.
The Redbirds would finish the season with a 59-43 record - the best overall record in the NL East - but not good enough to qualify for the postseason - because under the new rules for the strike-shortened debacle of a season - they finished "second" in each "half" (pre-strike and post-strike).
The Cardinals had company. The Cincinnati Reds had the best overall record in the National League - but they too failed to win either "half". That would be their last hurrah. Cincinnati was an aging team - in transition - spending the decade of the eighties in futility.
For the Cardinals, however, there would be redemption the following season - a world championship - followed by two more trips to the World Series in '85 and '87.
Strangely enough, the year they hit rock bottom - 1990 - was the year the Reds won it all - proving that success or failure in major league baseball can happen at a rapid pace. Just ask fans of the Boston Red Sox about that.
George Hendrick drove in all three runs for the Cardinals - including a thirteenth-inning solo home run - to lift St Louis to a 3-2 win over the Padres. Jim Kaat (6-2) - the fifth pitcher used by manager Whitey Herzog - pitched 2.1 innings of scoreless relief to record the win.
Bob Forsch worked the first 7.2 innings - allowing just one run on five hits - but a blown save by Bruce Sutter gave the San Diego fans some bonus baseball in this strike-shortened debacle of a season.
Prior to receiving four innings of free baseball, the San Diego fans were blessed with the tearful reunion of former-Padres outfielder George Hendrick - who greeted the faithful gathering with a two-out third-inning double - scoring Tommy Herr and Ken Oberkfell with the first two runs of the game.
Padres starting pitcher - Rick Wise - the guy the Cardinals acquired before the '72 season in exchange for Steve Carlton - allowed just those two runs in his six innings of work. The San Diego bullpen - Boone, Lucas and Littlefield - took care of the next six innings of scoreless relief - until another former Cardinal hurler - John Curtis - entered the game in the thirteenth.
Before all that excitement, the eighth and ninth inning offensive outburst by the Padres lineup made it all possible.
Forsch was still working on a shutout with two out and a runner on third in the bottom of the eighth - when pinch hitter Randy Bass got San Diego on the board with a single to center - scoring Luis Salazar.
At that point, Herzog decided to bring in his well-rested closer - Bruce Sutter (all the players in major league baseball were well-rested - thanks to their two-month strike-inflicted summer vacation). Sutter struck out future teammate Ozzie Smith to end the inning - but trouble lurked ahead.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Gene Richards singled to left. Sutter then struck out Rupert Jones for the second out - but another former Cardinal - Terry Kennedy - singled to center - advancing Richards to third. Broderick Perkins then tied the game with another single to send the crowd into a post-strike frenzy. Free baseball! The fans were certainly getting their money's worth tonight.
Proving that the ninth inning was just a fluke, Sutter came back and pitched a scoreless tenth, before a new St Louis reliever - Bob Shirley - created more excitement in the eleventh.
Bob was a bit wild - walking the first two batters - Richards and Jones - before retiring a pinch hitter by the name of Gwosdz on a ground ball to third - advancing the runners to second and third.
Herzog then brought in Mark Littel - whose first order of business was an intentional walk to Perkins. With the bases loaded, there was no place to put Luis Salazar - so Littel struck him out.
Herzog made his final pitching change - as Jim Kaat was summoned to face Jim Lefebvre - and he got him on a force out at second base - to extend the free baseball for the unappreciative fans (by this time, they wanted to go home - savoring a Padres' victory).
After both teams failed to score in the twelfth-inning, St Louis seemed unlikely to score in the thirteenth - as Oberkfell grounded out and Keith Hernandez looked at a called third strike. But George Hendrick stepped up to the plate and whacked one into the nearly vacated left field bleachers - to give the Cardinals a 3-2 lead.
By the time one of the spectators meandered over to locate the home run ball from their former hero - Kaat retired the side in order - to preserve what seemed to be a very important win for the Cardinals (40-25) - who were in first place - 2.5 games ahead of Philadelphia.
The Redbirds would finish the season with a 59-43 record - the best overall record in the NL East - but not good enough to qualify for the postseason - because under the new rules for the strike-shortened debacle of a season - they finished "second" in each "half" (pre-strike and post-strike).
The Cardinals had company. The Cincinnati Reds had the best overall record in the National League - but they too failed to win either "half". That would be their last hurrah. Cincinnati was an aging team - in transition - spending the decade of the eighties in futility.
For the Cardinals, however, there would be redemption the following season - a world championship - followed by two more trips to the World Series in '85 and '87.
Strangely enough, the year they hit rock bottom - 1990 - was the year the Reds won it all - proving that success or failure in major league baseball can happen at a rapid pace. Just ask fans of the Boston Red Sox about that.
Sunday, August 24, 2014
August 24, 2012 - Cards' 6-Run 6th Caps Come-From-Behind Win Over Reds
Friday, August 24, 2012 - At Great American Ballpark (Lance Lynn - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Mat Latos - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 36,162
The Cardinals entered the sixth-inning at Great American Ballpark trailing Mat Latos and the Reds by three runs - by the time they were finished, the Cardinals had turned the tables - turning that three-run deficit into a three-run advantage, en route to an 8-5 win. Joe Kelly, who entered the game in relief of Lance Lynn - inheriting two runners on base in the bottom of the third - worked three innings of mostly dominant relief to notch the win (4-5). Kelly allowed one run on five hits and one walk - with six strikeouts - all swinging.
As a matter of fact, all six pitchers used by manager Mike Matheny - Lynn, Kelly, Salas, Mujica, Boggs and Motte - all had at least one strikeout in the game. The final total of fourteen strikeouts featured thirteen that were of the "swing and miss" variety.
Starter Lance Lynn didn't last long in this one - however, he avoided total disaster in the first-inning - when with one run already in, and runners on first and third and nobody out - he induced Ryan Ludwick to ground into a 5-4-3 double play. A second run scored - but that was it - at least for now.
David Freese returned the favor in the second-inning - with runners on first and third and nobody out - he grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. Allen Craig, who singled to open the inning, scored the run for St Louis.
The Reds came right back with another run in their half of the second - when Ryan Hanigan's sacrifice fly scored Todd Frazier from third, to make it a 3-1 Cincinnati lead.
After the Cardinals failed to score on Latos in the third, the Reds put the first two runners on base in their half of the third. Singles by Brandon Phillips and Ludwick prompted Matheny to bring Kelly in from the bullpen to restore order. After yielding an RBI single by Frazier and an infield hit by Scott Rolen - Kelly found himself in a bases loaded-one out jam - but he struck out Hanigan and Latos to avoid further damage.
The Cardinals - trailing 4-1 entering the fourth-inning - got a two-out single by Yadier Molina to keep the inning alive. Then with Freese batting, Latos uncorked a wild pitch to move Yadi up to second - and this time Freese drove him in with a base hit to center.
Kelly struck out the side in the bottom of the fourth - giving him a string of five straight strikeouts - but he ran into more trouble in the fifth-inning. With one run already in and runners on second and third with just one out - Kelly issued an intentional walk to Hanigan - then stuck out Latos again for the second out. Then, lead-off hitter Zack Cozart nearly hit one out of the park to deep center field - but Jon Jay hauled it in at the base of the wall to retire the side.
Trailing 5-2 entering the sixth-inning - the Redbirds began teeing off on a suddenly ineffective Latos. Singles by Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday preceded Allen Craig's game-tying three-run home run to straight-away center field. Next up - Molina - made it back-to-back jack with an opposite field shot to right - which just got over right fielder Jay Bruce's outstretched glove. The Redbirds tacked on two more runs. After Latos walked Freese - the fifth straight batter to reach base - manager Dusty Baker finally pulled his starter - bringing in Alfredo Simon to face Skip Schumaker - who promptly singled to left, as Freese stopped at second. A wild pitch moved the runners to second and third - still nobody out.
Rafael Furcal scored Freese from third with a single to center, as Skip skipped to third on the hit. Pinch hitter Matt Carpenter (for Joe Kelly) brought in the sixth and final run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to center. It was also the first out recorded in the inning - but all good things must end sometime.
The Cardinals now had the lead - 8-5 - and that's how it ended.
Fernando Salas - in relief of Kelly - struck out the three batters he faced in the sixth.
Edward Mujica struck out the first two batters in the seventh in his perfect inning of relief.
Mitchell Boggs was perfect in the eighth - with one strikeout. He got Stubbs on a called third strike - a rarity in this game.
Jason Motte made it interesting in the ninth - allowing a pair of hits - but striking out Scott Rolen to earn his 30th save of the season.
Even with this win over first-place Cincinnati, the Cardinals (69-56) were still six games behind in the NL Central race. The race for the second wild card spot was definitely up for grabs, however. The Redbirds were a game and a half behind the Atlanta Braves for the number one spot - but they held a game and a half advantage over the Dodgers for that second slot.
Despite a fairly lackluster 19-18 finish, the Cardinals still held onto that second wild card berth, as LA could only muster an even .500 (18-18) stretch run.
The Cardinals entered the sixth-inning at Great American Ballpark trailing Mat Latos and the Reds by three runs - by the time they were finished, the Cardinals had turned the tables - turning that three-run deficit into a three-run advantage, en route to an 8-5 win. Joe Kelly, who entered the game in relief of Lance Lynn - inheriting two runners on base in the bottom of the third - worked three innings of mostly dominant relief to notch the win (4-5). Kelly allowed one run on five hits and one walk - with six strikeouts - all swinging.
As a matter of fact, all six pitchers used by manager Mike Matheny - Lynn, Kelly, Salas, Mujica, Boggs and Motte - all had at least one strikeout in the game. The final total of fourteen strikeouts featured thirteen that were of the "swing and miss" variety.
Starter Lance Lynn didn't last long in this one - however, he avoided total disaster in the first-inning - when with one run already in, and runners on first and third and nobody out - he induced Ryan Ludwick to ground into a 5-4-3 double play. A second run scored - but that was it - at least for now.
David Freese returned the favor in the second-inning - with runners on first and third and nobody out - he grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. Allen Craig, who singled to open the inning, scored the run for St Louis.
The Reds came right back with another run in their half of the second - when Ryan Hanigan's sacrifice fly scored Todd Frazier from third, to make it a 3-1 Cincinnati lead.
After the Cardinals failed to score on Latos in the third, the Reds put the first two runners on base in their half of the third. Singles by Brandon Phillips and Ludwick prompted Matheny to bring Kelly in from the bullpen to restore order. After yielding an RBI single by Frazier and an infield hit by Scott Rolen - Kelly found himself in a bases loaded-one out jam - but he struck out Hanigan and Latos to avoid further damage.
The Cardinals - trailing 4-1 entering the fourth-inning - got a two-out single by Yadier Molina to keep the inning alive. Then with Freese batting, Latos uncorked a wild pitch to move Yadi up to second - and this time Freese drove him in with a base hit to center.
Kelly struck out the side in the bottom of the fourth - giving him a string of five straight strikeouts - but he ran into more trouble in the fifth-inning. With one run already in and runners on second and third with just one out - Kelly issued an intentional walk to Hanigan - then stuck out Latos again for the second out. Then, lead-off hitter Zack Cozart nearly hit one out of the park to deep center field - but Jon Jay hauled it in at the base of the wall to retire the side.
Trailing 5-2 entering the sixth-inning - the Redbirds began teeing off on a suddenly ineffective Latos. Singles by Carlos Beltran and Matt Holliday preceded Allen Craig's game-tying three-run home run to straight-away center field. Next up - Molina - made it back-to-back jack with an opposite field shot to right - which just got over right fielder Jay Bruce's outstretched glove. The Redbirds tacked on two more runs. After Latos walked Freese - the fifth straight batter to reach base - manager Dusty Baker finally pulled his starter - bringing in Alfredo Simon to face Skip Schumaker - who promptly singled to left, as Freese stopped at second. A wild pitch moved the runners to second and third - still nobody out.
Rafael Furcal scored Freese from third with a single to center, as Skip skipped to third on the hit. Pinch hitter Matt Carpenter (for Joe Kelly) brought in the sixth and final run of the inning with a sacrifice fly to center. It was also the first out recorded in the inning - but all good things must end sometime.
The Cardinals now had the lead - 8-5 - and that's how it ended.
Fernando Salas - in relief of Kelly - struck out the three batters he faced in the sixth.
Edward Mujica struck out the first two batters in the seventh in his perfect inning of relief.
Mitchell Boggs was perfect in the eighth - with one strikeout. He got Stubbs on a called third strike - a rarity in this game.
Jason Motte made it interesting in the ninth - allowing a pair of hits - but striking out Scott Rolen to earn his 30th save of the season.
Even with this win over first-place Cincinnati, the Cardinals (69-56) were still six games behind in the NL Central race. The race for the second wild card spot was definitely up for grabs, however. The Redbirds were a game and a half behind the Atlanta Braves for the number one spot - but they held a game and a half advantage over the Dodgers for that second slot.
Despite a fairly lackluster 19-18 finish, the Cardinals still held onto that second wild card berth, as LA could only muster an even .500 (18-18) stretch run.
Friday, August 15, 2014
August 15, 2006 - Carpenter Blanks Reds on 4 Hits - 5-0
Tuesday, August 15, 2006 - At Busch Stadium III (Chris Carpenter - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Aaron Harang - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 42,761
This was a big game for St Louis - and Chris Carpenter knew it. The Cardinals had been struggling - to say the least - since the All Star break. A loss in tonight's game would put the Reds just a half game behind the Cardinals in the NL Central - with Houston not far behind. As far as Carp was concerned, this game was as "must win" as it gets in mid-August.
Offensively, the newest member of the Cardinals - second baseman Ronnie Belliard (acquired from Cleveland in exchange for Hector Luna on July 30) - drove in the first two runs for St Louis. In the second-inning, his two-out single scored Scott Rolen from second base - and in the fourth-inning, he immediately followed Juan Encarnacion's one-out double with a double of his own - to provide Carpenter with a 2-0 lead.
That lead was extended in the fifth-inning. After David Eckstein led-off with a single to center, Chris Duncan followed with a home run deep to right - one of twenty-two home runs Duncan would hit in just 95 games that season.
Albert Pujols - arguably the true NL MVP in '06 (based on WAR) - followed Duncan's blast with a double - then after moving up to third on a So Taguchi sacrifice bunt - scored when a rattled Aaron Harang uncorked a wild pitch to Rolen. Harang managed to get through the inning with just three runs scored, but his night was over after five-innings - down 5-0.
The Cincinnati bullpen - future Cardinal Ryan Franklin and Brian Shackelford combined for three innings of scoreless relief - although it didn't matter. Carpenter was in complete control of this game.
No relief was needed for the Cardinal ace, as he recorded the complete game shutout - allowing just four hits - walking none - and striking out six - to improve to 11-6 on the year. Strangely enough, after this performance, Carpenter's ERA fell to 3.09 - and that's exactly where it finished when the season ended. Most importantly, he would win four out of six decisions down the stretch - when every victory seemed so hard to come by as the Redbirds stumbled into the postseason by the slimmest of margins.
After this win, the Cardinals (63-55) were now 2.5 games ahead of the Reds (61-58) - and 6.5 games ahead of the Astros (57-62). After a lackluster 20-23 record for the rest of the season, the Redbirds (83-78) lost five games in the standings to Houston's 25-18 finish - who finished the season in second place (82-80). The Reds fell to third (80-82) - thanks to their even more lackluster 19-24 finish. Cincinnati had the opportunity to take control of the division - but it just wasn't in the cards.
By the time the postseason arrived, all that travail seemed like a distant memory. When the Redbirds won 11 postseason games in just 16 tries, they were world champions - a big shock to practically everybody outside of Cardinal Nation. After all, this is what the Cards did in the regular season against the three teams they faced in the postseason: Padres (2-4) - Mets (2-4) - Tigers (0-3) - Combined: (4-11) - Ug.
To those who thought St Louis had no chance against San Diego...absolutely no chance against New York...then who thought Detroit would sweep - all I can say is...They were due!
This was a big game for St Louis - and Chris Carpenter knew it. The Cardinals had been struggling - to say the least - since the All Star break. A loss in tonight's game would put the Reds just a half game behind the Cardinals in the NL Central - with Houston not far behind. As far as Carp was concerned, this game was as "must win" as it gets in mid-August.
Offensively, the newest member of the Cardinals - second baseman Ronnie Belliard (acquired from Cleveland in exchange for Hector Luna on July 30) - drove in the first two runs for St Louis. In the second-inning, his two-out single scored Scott Rolen from second base - and in the fourth-inning, he immediately followed Juan Encarnacion's one-out double with a double of his own - to provide Carpenter with a 2-0 lead.
That lead was extended in the fifth-inning. After David Eckstein led-off with a single to center, Chris Duncan followed with a home run deep to right - one of twenty-two home runs Duncan would hit in just 95 games that season.
Albert Pujols - arguably the true NL MVP in '06 (based on WAR) - followed Duncan's blast with a double - then after moving up to third on a So Taguchi sacrifice bunt - scored when a rattled Aaron Harang uncorked a wild pitch to Rolen. Harang managed to get through the inning with just three runs scored, but his night was over after five-innings - down 5-0.
The Cincinnati bullpen - future Cardinal Ryan Franklin and Brian Shackelford combined for three innings of scoreless relief - although it didn't matter. Carpenter was in complete control of this game.
No relief was needed for the Cardinal ace, as he recorded the complete game shutout - allowing just four hits - walking none - and striking out six - to improve to 11-6 on the year. Strangely enough, after this performance, Carpenter's ERA fell to 3.09 - and that's exactly where it finished when the season ended. Most importantly, he would win four out of six decisions down the stretch - when every victory seemed so hard to come by as the Redbirds stumbled into the postseason by the slimmest of margins.
After this win, the Cardinals (63-55) were now 2.5 games ahead of the Reds (61-58) - and 6.5 games ahead of the Astros (57-62). After a lackluster 20-23 record for the rest of the season, the Redbirds (83-78) lost five games in the standings to Houston's 25-18 finish - who finished the season in second place (82-80). The Reds fell to third (80-82) - thanks to their even more lackluster 19-24 finish. Cincinnati had the opportunity to take control of the division - but it just wasn't in the cards.
By the time the postseason arrived, all that travail seemed like a distant memory. When the Redbirds won 11 postseason games in just 16 tries, they were world champions - a big shock to practically everybody outside of Cardinal Nation. After all, this is what the Cards did in the regular season against the three teams they faced in the postseason: Padres (2-4) - Mets (2-4) - Tigers (0-3) - Combined: (4-11) - Ug.
To those who thought St Louis had no chance against San Diego...absolutely no chance against New York...then who thought Detroit would sweep - all I can say is...They were due!
Sunday, August 10, 2014
August 10, 2010 - Cards Win Brawl Game in Cincinnati
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - At Great American Ballpark (Jaime Garcia - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Kickin' Johnny Cueto - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 36,964
The Cardinals and Reds wasted little time in displaying their mutual disdain - which had reached new heights when the outspoken master of "swag" (whatever that is) - Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips - felt obliged to express his feelings to the media prior to the start of a key three-game series with the Cardinals. In a rant that lasted for several minutes, his opening line cut right to the chase: "I hate the Cardinals!"
Phillips then proceeded to have an 0 for 5 performance in Cincinnati's 7-3 Monday night loss to the hated Cardinals. Not long after this game was in the books, BP's harsh comments to the media had become common knowledge to everyone in the visitor's clubhouse prior to the start of Tuesday night's game.
The game started innocently enough, when Felipe Lopez led-off with a double off Johnny Cueto - then later scored from third when Albert Pujols grounded out to Dat Dude at second base.
Despite the fact that Phillips had verbally blasted the Cardinals in a profanity-laced media diatribe just twenty-four hours ago, he felt compelled to perform his little first at bat ritual - tapping the shin guard of an unappreciative Yadier Molina - his way of saying "hello" to the rival catcher. After the initial shin guard tap, Phillips stepped away to take a few practice swings, as Molina glared as if he were trying to burn a hole in the back of Dat Dude's helmet.
It was the second greeting that really irked Yadi - who clearly wasn't in the mood to fraternize with some dude who just told the world he hated everybody wearing a Cardinal uniform. At that point, the two opposing players began discussing the issue in a manner that typically gets the other forty-eight players - along with the managers and coaches - involved in the discourse. Initially, it seems as though cooler heads prevail - but suddenly, even the peace-makers are becoming bellicose - and all hell is breaking loose.
By this time, heated words are being exchanged by the managers, as the melee escalates. Suddenly, the pushing and shoving between the opposing players becomes more aggressive, as the mass of tangled bodies moves like a tidal wave, crashing against the screen behind home plate. Chris Carpenter seems to be the primary target - his body pinned helplessly to the screen - as random punches are flying from every direction. Some of the players in the middle of this scrum are now on the ground. Backup catcher Jason LaRue is one of them - and he's now being pummeled with a series of kicks to the head by the despicable Johnny Cueto.
Eventually, after seven minutes of the rumble, the warring parties retreat back to the safety of their own dugouts. Most of the players escaped with a few scrapes and bruises. Carpenter was lucky to avoid a trip to the DL - although he was bruised and battered. LaRue wasn't as fortunate - suffering a severe concussion - which essentially ended his career.
When play resumes, only the managers - Tony LaRussa and Dusty Baker - are ejected from the game.
Jaime Garcia manages to retire the side in order, as Molina storms back to the Cardinals' dugout - eager to take his turn at bat - which comes with one out in the second. Working the count full, he finally gets a pitch he can handle - depositing it in the left field bleachers for a crowd-silencing home run - one of only six home runs he'd hit all season.
After the Reds tie the game in the third, the Cardinals regain the lead in the sixth. After Pujols leads off with a single, Matt Holliday brings him in with a double - then scores when Colby Rasmus also doubles. When right fielder Chris Heisey boots the ball, Rasmus advances to third - giving Molina another RBI with a sacrifice fly to right.
The Reds answer back in the bottom of the sixth with Fernando Salas now pitching for St Louis. After getting the first out, Salas walks the next two batters - Votto and Rolen - then strikes out Johnny Gomes. Then the newest member of the Reds - Jim Edmonds - pinch hits for Heisey - and also draws a base on balls - to load the bases for Drew Stubbs - who singles to left to score Votto and Rolen - but Edmonds is thrown out trying for third. Ten years ago - his first season as a Cardinal - he might have made it. Although still a productive hitter, his wheels were now gone - and he now knew it. His great career would end in Cincinnati - a venue which saw him make two of the greatest catches by a center fielder in baseball history.
Nursing a slim 5-4 lead, the Cardinals put the game away with three runs in the seventh - the big blow being a bases loaded single off the bat of Holliday - scoring not only the lead runners - Ryan and Jay - but also Pujols when left fielder Gomes kicked the ball.
That ended the scoring, and Ryan Franklin ended the game by getting Phillips to ground out to second with two runners on base. The Redbirds completed the three-game sweep the following night with a decisive 6-1 win over what seemed to be a disoriented Reds team. St Louis came to town in second place - one game behind Cincinnati. They left town in first place - one game ahead of Cincinnati.
Somehow, the Cardinals lost all that momentum when they returned home - losing two out of three to the Cubs - as the Reds were busy sweeping the Marlins on the road. Just like that, the Cardinals were back in second place, to stay. That was a very weird season - an under-achieving season. A season that produced a winning record against their newest bitter rivals - the Reds - winning 12 of 18 games. But inexplicably, they were a combined 21-32 against five of the weakest teams in baseball - all with sub-.500 records: Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Marlins and Royals.
Fortunately for the Cardinals, they were able to put the disappointment of 2010 behind them - with the miracle of 2011. Still, the improbability of losing with such startling regularity to the dregs of MLB in 2010 has me shaking my head to this day.
The Cardinals and Reds wasted little time in displaying their mutual disdain - which had reached new heights when the outspoken master of "swag" (whatever that is) - Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips - felt obliged to express his feelings to the media prior to the start of a key three-game series with the Cardinals. In a rant that lasted for several minutes, his opening line cut right to the chase: "I hate the Cardinals!"
Phillips then proceeded to have an 0 for 5 performance in Cincinnati's 7-3 Monday night loss to the hated Cardinals. Not long after this game was in the books, BP's harsh comments to the media had become common knowledge to everyone in the visitor's clubhouse prior to the start of Tuesday night's game.
The game started innocently enough, when Felipe Lopez led-off with a double off Johnny Cueto - then later scored from third when Albert Pujols grounded out to Dat Dude at second base.
Despite the fact that Phillips had verbally blasted the Cardinals in a profanity-laced media diatribe just twenty-four hours ago, he felt compelled to perform his little first at bat ritual - tapping the shin guard of an unappreciative Yadier Molina - his way of saying "hello" to the rival catcher. After the initial shin guard tap, Phillips stepped away to take a few practice swings, as Molina glared as if he were trying to burn a hole in the back of Dat Dude's helmet.
It was the second greeting that really irked Yadi - who clearly wasn't in the mood to fraternize with some dude who just told the world he hated everybody wearing a Cardinal uniform. At that point, the two opposing players began discussing the issue in a manner that typically gets the other forty-eight players - along with the managers and coaches - involved in the discourse. Initially, it seems as though cooler heads prevail - but suddenly, even the peace-makers are becoming bellicose - and all hell is breaking loose.
By this time, heated words are being exchanged by the managers, as the melee escalates. Suddenly, the pushing and shoving between the opposing players becomes more aggressive, as the mass of tangled bodies moves like a tidal wave, crashing against the screen behind home plate. Chris Carpenter seems to be the primary target - his body pinned helplessly to the screen - as random punches are flying from every direction. Some of the players in the middle of this scrum are now on the ground. Backup catcher Jason LaRue is one of them - and he's now being pummeled with a series of kicks to the head by the despicable Johnny Cueto.
Eventually, after seven minutes of the rumble, the warring parties retreat back to the safety of their own dugouts. Most of the players escaped with a few scrapes and bruises. Carpenter was lucky to avoid a trip to the DL - although he was bruised and battered. LaRue wasn't as fortunate - suffering a severe concussion - which essentially ended his career.
When play resumes, only the managers - Tony LaRussa and Dusty Baker - are ejected from the game.
Jaime Garcia manages to retire the side in order, as Molina storms back to the Cardinals' dugout - eager to take his turn at bat - which comes with one out in the second. Working the count full, he finally gets a pitch he can handle - depositing it in the left field bleachers for a crowd-silencing home run - one of only six home runs he'd hit all season.
After the Reds tie the game in the third, the Cardinals regain the lead in the sixth. After Pujols leads off with a single, Matt Holliday brings him in with a double - then scores when Colby Rasmus also doubles. When right fielder Chris Heisey boots the ball, Rasmus advances to third - giving Molina another RBI with a sacrifice fly to right.
The Reds answer back in the bottom of the sixth with Fernando Salas now pitching for St Louis. After getting the first out, Salas walks the next two batters - Votto and Rolen - then strikes out Johnny Gomes. Then the newest member of the Reds - Jim Edmonds - pinch hits for Heisey - and also draws a base on balls - to load the bases for Drew Stubbs - who singles to left to score Votto and Rolen - but Edmonds is thrown out trying for third. Ten years ago - his first season as a Cardinal - he might have made it. Although still a productive hitter, his wheels were now gone - and he now knew it. His great career would end in Cincinnati - a venue which saw him make two of the greatest catches by a center fielder in baseball history.
Nursing a slim 5-4 lead, the Cardinals put the game away with three runs in the seventh - the big blow being a bases loaded single off the bat of Holliday - scoring not only the lead runners - Ryan and Jay - but also Pujols when left fielder Gomes kicked the ball.
That ended the scoring, and Ryan Franklin ended the game by getting Phillips to ground out to second with two runners on base. The Redbirds completed the three-game sweep the following night with a decisive 6-1 win over what seemed to be a disoriented Reds team. St Louis came to town in second place - one game behind Cincinnati. They left town in first place - one game ahead of Cincinnati.
Somehow, the Cardinals lost all that momentum when they returned home - losing two out of three to the Cubs - as the Reds were busy sweeping the Marlins on the road. Just like that, the Cardinals were back in second place, to stay. That was a very weird season - an under-achieving season. A season that produced a winning record against their newest bitter rivals - the Reds - winning 12 of 18 games. But inexplicably, they were a combined 21-32 against five of the weakest teams in baseball - all with sub-.500 records: Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Marlins and Royals.
Fortunately for the Cardinals, they were able to put the disappointment of 2010 behind them - with the miracle of 2011. Still, the improbability of losing with such startling regularity to the dregs of MLB in 2010 has me shaking my head to this day.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
August 5, 1964 & 1967 - Two For Tuesday
Wednesday, August 5, 1964 - At Busch Stadium I (Gordie Richardson - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Chicago Cubs (Bob Buhl - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 11,614
Even the most die-hard of Cardinal fans old enough to remember much about the '64 season, probably don't remember a 25-year old rookie left-handed pitcher by the name of Gordie Richardson - who made his major league debut on July 26, 1964 - getting a complete game victory (6-1) over the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of a double-header at Connie Mack Stadium. The Cardinals would also win the second game to inch closer to the top of the standings - although few really considered them a legitimate contender at the time.
Hindsight tells us that every single game the Cardinals somehow managed to win that year was absolutely necessary in their quest for the NL pennant. Richardson certainly did his part by starting six games for St Louis late that season, and was used for relief duty, as well. It's highly unlikely the Cardinals would have made it to the top of the National League without his contributions - a 4-2 record with a stellar 2.30 ERA in 47 IP. His reward for his efforts was to be traded to the lowly New York Mets in the off season - and after two unsuccessful seasons, Richardson's career was over before his 28th birthday. That's the harsh reality of the vast majority of major league baseball careers - they usually don't last very long. Of course, many players never get the chance to be part of a world championship team - especially in their rookie year. I'm pretty sure this rookie enjoyed the brief time in the limelight.
Of course, there wasn't much limelight for young Gordie to deal with as he took the mound against the visiting Cubs on this hot August night. Less than 12,000 fans bothered to attend this game - an obvious indication that pennant fever hadn't infected Cardinal Nation. That would change in a few weeks.
For now, the rookie was just trying to survive a shaky start to this game. After issuing a lead-off walk to Joe Amalfitano, the next Cubs batter - Leo Burke - hit a ground ball to third baseman Ken Boyer. Instead of turning two, Boyer bobbled the ball - allowing Burke to reach first safely as Amalfitano advanced to second. Richardson struck out the next batter - Billy Williams - but Ron Santo drove in the first run with a single, then Ernie Banks singled in another run - an unearned run - to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.
The Cardinals got one run back in their first trip to the plate. After Cubs starter Bob Buhl struck out Julian Javier, then Lou Brock to start the bottom of the first - Bill White singled - and so did Ken Boyer - to put runners on first and second for Curt Flood, who scored White with a base hit of his own, as Boyer advanced to third.
Then, with Mike Shannon batting, Boyer tried to steal home - unsuccessfully. I'll bet Harry Caray went nuts in the KMOX broadcast booth on that one. Time for another ice-cold Busch.
The score remained 2-1 in favor of Chicago when the Cardinals came to bat in the fifth-inning. Javier coaxed a one-out walk off a tiring Buhl, then Brock lined a single to left - putting runners on first and second for Bill White - who promptly hit one on the pavilion roof for a three-run home run, to give the Cardinals a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish - but things got a bit dicey the next time the Cubs came to bat.
Richardson had some trouble of his own in the sixth-inning. Santo led-off with a single to left field, then Banks walked - putting two on and nobody out. Manager Johnny Keane wisely decided to bring in a fresh arm - replacing his starter with reliever Bob Humphreys - yet another unsung hero for the Redbirds in '64.
The veteran reliever had a stellar '64 season for St Louis - going 2-0 with a 2.54 ERA in 42.2 IP. He also had two saves - and got one of them in this game. Humphreys not only got out of the sixth-inning unscathed, he also kept the Cubs off the board for the balance of the game. All told, he allowed just two hits in four innings - walking none and striking out three. Now that's a save!
As a footnote to the July 26 arrival of Gordie Richardson - at the time, the Cards were just a .500 ball-club (48-48). However, they would finish with a NL-best 45-21 record with more than just a little help from guys like Gordie and Humpreys - to catapult them into the World Series.
Saturday, August 5, 1967 - At Busch Stadium II (Ray Washburn - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Mel Queen - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 48,019
Exactly three years after the now-retired Gordie Richardson defeated the Cubs in front of a sparse gathering at the old ballpark on Grand and Dodier - the Cardinals played a twelve-inning marathon at their new downtown ballpark which nearly 50,000 fans turned out to witness. It was worth the wait, as the Cards walked-off with the win, thanks to a pinch hit single from an unlikely player - backup catcher Dave Ricketts.
The Cardinals scored first in this game, when back-to-back doubles by Lou Brock and Curt Flood staked Ray Washburn to an early 1-0 lead. Reds starter Mel Queen retired the next three batters after Flood's two-base hit - to keep it just a one run deficit.
It was still a 1-0 ballgame when the Reds came to bat in the sixth-inning. A lead-off double by Tommy Harper was followed by Vada Pinson's two-run blast - to give Cincinnati its first lead of the game: 2-1.
However, the Redbirds quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth, off a tiring Mel Queen. With one out, Brock tripled - then Flood doubled, to tie the game. After Roger Maris walked, Orlando Cepeda hit one deep to center - but Pinson tracked it down for the out. After the catch, Flood tagged up and advanced to third.
At this point, Reds manager Dave Bristol brought Cool Billy McCool in from the bullpen to pitch to Tim McCarver - but the strategy was foiled when McCarver lined a single to right - scoring Flood with the go-ahead run. It was now a 3-2 St Louis lead - but not for long.
After Washburn walked Harper to start the eighth-inning for the Reds, manager Red Schoendienst brought in Joe Hoerner from the Cards' bullpen to face Pinson - who moved Harper to second with a sacrifice bunt. Next up - the relentless Pete Rose - he tied the game once again with a base hit - but Hoerner was able to escape further damage in the inning - and through the tenth-inning, as well.
Ron Willis then relieved Hoerner to start the eleventh - holding Cincinnati scoreless for the next couple of innings. He would be the winning pitcher - improving to 4-3 after his nice work.
The fifth pitcher of the game for the Reds - Don Nottebart - retired the first batter he faced in the bottom of the twelvth - Tim McCarver - on a ground ball right back from where it came. Mike Shannon then singled to start a one-out rally. Phil Gagliano followed that with an infield hit down the third base line, to put runners on first and second. Dal Maxvill then grounded one to shortstop Tommy Helms, which should have been an inning-ending double play. Instead, Helms booted it - loading the bases for pinch hitter Dave Ricketts.
Ricketts had seven pinch hits in '67 - and this one was his most significant - a line drive base hit to center field to score Shannon with the extra-inning walk-off winning run. It was a long night for the Cardinals, but for the fans who stuck around past their bedtimes, it was worth the wait.
Even the most die-hard of Cardinal fans old enough to remember much about the '64 season, probably don't remember a 25-year old rookie left-handed pitcher by the name of Gordie Richardson - who made his major league debut on July 26, 1964 - getting a complete game victory (6-1) over the Philadelphia Phillies in the first game of a double-header at Connie Mack Stadium. The Cardinals would also win the second game to inch closer to the top of the standings - although few really considered them a legitimate contender at the time.
Hindsight tells us that every single game the Cardinals somehow managed to win that year was absolutely necessary in their quest for the NL pennant. Richardson certainly did his part by starting six games for St Louis late that season, and was used for relief duty, as well. It's highly unlikely the Cardinals would have made it to the top of the National League without his contributions - a 4-2 record with a stellar 2.30 ERA in 47 IP. His reward for his efforts was to be traded to the lowly New York Mets in the off season - and after two unsuccessful seasons, Richardson's career was over before his 28th birthday. That's the harsh reality of the vast majority of major league baseball careers - they usually don't last very long. Of course, many players never get the chance to be part of a world championship team - especially in their rookie year. I'm pretty sure this rookie enjoyed the brief time in the limelight.
Of course, there wasn't much limelight for young Gordie to deal with as he took the mound against the visiting Cubs on this hot August night. Less than 12,000 fans bothered to attend this game - an obvious indication that pennant fever hadn't infected Cardinal Nation. That would change in a few weeks.
For now, the rookie was just trying to survive a shaky start to this game. After issuing a lead-off walk to Joe Amalfitano, the next Cubs batter - Leo Burke - hit a ground ball to third baseman Ken Boyer. Instead of turning two, Boyer bobbled the ball - allowing Burke to reach first safely as Amalfitano advanced to second. Richardson struck out the next batter - Billy Williams - but Ron Santo drove in the first run with a single, then Ernie Banks singled in another run - an unearned run - to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.
The Cardinals got one run back in their first trip to the plate. After Cubs starter Bob Buhl struck out Julian Javier, then Lou Brock to start the bottom of the first - Bill White singled - and so did Ken Boyer - to put runners on first and second for Curt Flood, who scored White with a base hit of his own, as Boyer advanced to third.
Then, with Mike Shannon batting, Boyer tried to steal home - unsuccessfully. I'll bet Harry Caray went nuts in the KMOX broadcast booth on that one. Time for another ice-cold Busch.
The score remained 2-1 in favor of Chicago when the Cardinals came to bat in the fifth-inning. Javier coaxed a one-out walk off a tiring Buhl, then Brock lined a single to left - putting runners on first and second for Bill White - who promptly hit one on the pavilion roof for a three-run home run, to give the Cardinals a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish - but things got a bit dicey the next time the Cubs came to bat.
Richardson had some trouble of his own in the sixth-inning. Santo led-off with a single to left field, then Banks walked - putting two on and nobody out. Manager Johnny Keane wisely decided to bring in a fresh arm - replacing his starter with reliever Bob Humphreys - yet another unsung hero for the Redbirds in '64.
The veteran reliever had a stellar '64 season for St Louis - going 2-0 with a 2.54 ERA in 42.2 IP. He also had two saves - and got one of them in this game. Humphreys not only got out of the sixth-inning unscathed, he also kept the Cubs off the board for the balance of the game. All told, he allowed just two hits in four innings - walking none and striking out three. Now that's a save!
As a footnote to the July 26 arrival of Gordie Richardson - at the time, the Cards were just a .500 ball-club (48-48). However, they would finish with a NL-best 45-21 record with more than just a little help from guys like Gordie and Humpreys - to catapult them into the World Series.
Saturday, August 5, 1967 - At Busch Stadium II (Ray Washburn - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Mel Queen - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 48,019
Exactly three years after the now-retired Gordie Richardson defeated the Cubs in front of a sparse gathering at the old ballpark on Grand and Dodier - the Cardinals played a twelve-inning marathon at their new downtown ballpark which nearly 50,000 fans turned out to witness. It was worth the wait, as the Cards walked-off with the win, thanks to a pinch hit single from an unlikely player - backup catcher Dave Ricketts.
The Cardinals scored first in this game, when back-to-back doubles by Lou Brock and Curt Flood staked Ray Washburn to an early 1-0 lead. Reds starter Mel Queen retired the next three batters after Flood's two-base hit - to keep it just a one run deficit.
It was still a 1-0 ballgame when the Reds came to bat in the sixth-inning. A lead-off double by Tommy Harper was followed by Vada Pinson's two-run blast - to give Cincinnati its first lead of the game: 2-1.
However, the Redbirds quickly regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth, off a tiring Mel Queen. With one out, Brock tripled - then Flood doubled, to tie the game. After Roger Maris walked, Orlando Cepeda hit one deep to center - but Pinson tracked it down for the out. After the catch, Flood tagged up and advanced to third.
At this point, Reds manager Dave Bristol brought Cool Billy McCool in from the bullpen to pitch to Tim McCarver - but the strategy was foiled when McCarver lined a single to right - scoring Flood with the go-ahead run. It was now a 3-2 St Louis lead - but not for long.
After Washburn walked Harper to start the eighth-inning for the Reds, manager Red Schoendienst brought in Joe Hoerner from the Cards' bullpen to face Pinson - who moved Harper to second with a sacrifice bunt. Next up - the relentless Pete Rose - he tied the game once again with a base hit - but Hoerner was able to escape further damage in the inning - and through the tenth-inning, as well.
Ron Willis then relieved Hoerner to start the eleventh - holding Cincinnati scoreless for the next couple of innings. He would be the winning pitcher - improving to 4-3 after his nice work.
The fifth pitcher of the game for the Reds - Don Nottebart - retired the first batter he faced in the bottom of the twelvth - Tim McCarver - on a ground ball right back from where it came. Mike Shannon then singled to start a one-out rally. Phil Gagliano followed that with an infield hit down the third base line, to put runners on first and second. Dal Maxvill then grounded one to shortstop Tommy Helms, which should have been an inning-ending double play. Instead, Helms booted it - loading the bases for pinch hitter Dave Ricketts.
Ricketts had seven pinch hits in '67 - and this one was his most significant - a line drive base hit to center field to score Shannon with the extra-inning walk-off winning run. It was a long night for the Cardinals, but for the fans who stuck around past their bedtimes, it was worth the wait.
Monday, August 4, 2014
August 4, 1967 - Cards Blank Reds, 5-0 on Jaster's 4-Hitter
Friday, August 4, 1967 - At Busch Stadium II (Larry Jaster - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Gary Nolan - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 33,533
A five-run sixth-inning was more than enough offense for the Cardinals tonight, as Larry Jaster blanked the Cincinnati Reds on four hits to log his first shutout of the '67 season. It was also the first time he pitched a complete game shutout against a team other than the Dodgers - who were victimized an unprecedented five times by the rookie lefty a year earlier.
Jaster even helped his own cause in that five-run outburst - driving in one run and scoring another. The inning started innocuously enough, when Reds starter Gary Nolan struck out Roger Maris. However, after hitting the next batter - Orlando Cepeda - with a pitch, things started unraveling. Nolan walked the next batter - Tim McCarver - then grooved a pitch to Mike Shannon, who drove in Cepeda with a single. Next up - Phil Gagliano - brought in McCarver with a double, as Shannon stopped at third. Nolan then intentionally walked the weak-hitting Dal Maxvill to load the bases - to set up a possible double play with Jaster the next scheduled hitter.
The strategy was foiled when Jaster's ground ball to the shortstop wasn't hit hard enough to turn two. Maxvill was forced out at second but Jaster easily beat the relay to first, as Shannon scored from third.
That kept the inning alive for Lou Brock - who came through with a double in the left center field gap to score both Gagliano and Jaster with the fourth and fifth runs of the inning. That finally prompted Reds manager Dave Bristol to remove his rattled starter - bringing in Don Nottebart - who retired the ninth batter in the inning - Curt Flood - on a line drive right to the first baseman.
Jaster's excursion around the bases didn't seem to affect his stamina. The Reds never threatened to score over the final three innings. In fact, the only perilous inning for the Redbird lefty happened to be the very first inning - when lead-off hitter Tommy Harper doubled to start the ballgame. After a sacrifice bunt advanced him to third, Jaster induced future all-time hits leader and gambler Pete Rose into hitting an easy ground ball right back to the mound. Harper broke immediately for home, then was caught in a rundown that lasted long enough for Rose to hustle all the way over to third as Harper was finally tagged out by catcher Tim McCarver. All that running back and forth was all for naught, as cleanup hitter Tony Perez was retired to end the threat.
This series was do-or-die for Cincinnati - and their pennant hopes essentially died when St Louis completed the three-game sweep with a Saturday walk-off extra-inning win, followed by a one-run win on Sunday. By then, the first-place Cardinals (67-41) would have an 11-game advantage over the Reds (57-53) - the team that actually occupied the top-spot in the National League in early June.
As we all know, much can happen in major league baseball over the course of two months. The Cardinals' next challenge would be to put second-place Chicago further back in the pack when they come to town in a couple of weeks. That mission would be accomplished.
A five-run sixth-inning was more than enough offense for the Cardinals tonight, as Larry Jaster blanked the Cincinnati Reds on four hits to log his first shutout of the '67 season. It was also the first time he pitched a complete game shutout against a team other than the Dodgers - who were victimized an unprecedented five times by the rookie lefty a year earlier.
Jaster even helped his own cause in that five-run outburst - driving in one run and scoring another. The inning started innocuously enough, when Reds starter Gary Nolan struck out Roger Maris. However, after hitting the next batter - Orlando Cepeda - with a pitch, things started unraveling. Nolan walked the next batter - Tim McCarver - then grooved a pitch to Mike Shannon, who drove in Cepeda with a single. Next up - Phil Gagliano - brought in McCarver with a double, as Shannon stopped at third. Nolan then intentionally walked the weak-hitting Dal Maxvill to load the bases - to set up a possible double play with Jaster the next scheduled hitter.
The strategy was foiled when Jaster's ground ball to the shortstop wasn't hit hard enough to turn two. Maxvill was forced out at second but Jaster easily beat the relay to first, as Shannon scored from third.
That kept the inning alive for Lou Brock - who came through with a double in the left center field gap to score both Gagliano and Jaster with the fourth and fifth runs of the inning. That finally prompted Reds manager Dave Bristol to remove his rattled starter - bringing in Don Nottebart - who retired the ninth batter in the inning - Curt Flood - on a line drive right to the first baseman.
Jaster's excursion around the bases didn't seem to affect his stamina. The Reds never threatened to score over the final three innings. In fact, the only perilous inning for the Redbird lefty happened to be the very first inning - when lead-off hitter Tommy Harper doubled to start the ballgame. After a sacrifice bunt advanced him to third, Jaster induced future all-time hits leader and gambler Pete Rose into hitting an easy ground ball right back to the mound. Harper broke immediately for home, then was caught in a rundown that lasted long enough for Rose to hustle all the way over to third as Harper was finally tagged out by catcher Tim McCarver. All that running back and forth was all for naught, as cleanup hitter Tony Perez was retired to end the threat.
This series was do-or-die for Cincinnati - and their pennant hopes essentially died when St Louis completed the three-game sweep with a Saturday walk-off extra-inning win, followed by a one-run win on Sunday. By then, the first-place Cardinals (67-41) would have an 11-game advantage over the Reds (57-53) - the team that actually occupied the top-spot in the National League in early June.
As we all know, much can happen in major league baseball over the course of two months. The Cardinals' next challenge would be to put second-place Chicago further back in the pack when they come to town in a couple of weeks. That mission would be accomplished.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
August 2, 2013 - Craig, Freese & Beltran Spark Redbird Assault on Reds
Friday, August 2, 2013 - At Great American Ballpark (Shelby Miller - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Bronson Arroyo - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 39,095
The Cardinals scored thirteen runs for the second straight game - in a 13-3 thrashing of the Cincinnati Reds - as the now-departed Allen Craig had a perfect night in four plate appearances: three hits - including a home run - one base on balls, three runs scored and three runs batted in.
Two other former Cardinals - David Freese and Carlos Beltran - made their presence felt in this game right from the outset. Freese launched a bases loaded first-inning double - scoring Beltran, Craig and Matt Holliday - to give St Louis a 3-0 lead - then later scored the fourth run of the inning to put the game on ice. He finished the night with four runs batted in.
After scoring another run in the second, the Redbirds exploded for four runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth, to build a 12-0 advantage.
Shelby Miller pitched brilliantly for the first five innings, but ran afoul in the sixth, even with that twelve-run lead to work with. Joey Votto's three run home run prompted manager Mike Matheny to remove his enigmatic rookie - who still won the game (11-7) - but forced the bullpen into four innings of work - instead of getting a night off. It didn't seem to matter - as Kevin Siegrist logged two perfect innings of relief - striking out three - while Keith Butler allowed just one hit in his two-inning scoreless stint.
Beltran also had a perfect night in four plate appearances: three hits - including two doubles - one base on balls and four runs scored.
Jon Jay had two hits and three runs batted in, while Daniel Descalso added three hits - including two solo home runs - and scored three runs to round out the major offensive performances for a Cardinal team that would lead the National League in runs scored in 2013 - by a wide margin.
Strangely enough, lead-off hitter Matt Carpenter - who led the league with 126 runs scored - was 0 for 6 in this game. But he had a little help from his friends tonight - who had five hits in eight attempts with runners in scoring position.
For the season, St Louis hit .330 with RISP - giving perhaps a false hope that they could do something like that again in 2014. That hasn't happened - although the team is still competitive - with a greatly improved defense and a pitching staff that leads major league baseball with 18 shutouts.
The recent departure of another sentimental favorite - Allen Craig was inevitable - at least as far as I was concerned. On Twitter, just a few days before the deal went down, I tweeted: "Have a feeling Allen Craig will be gone...very soon." Of course, I had no idea who the Cardinals planned to acquire - I just felt he was going to be the odd man out - especially with the surplus of young outfielders in the system waiting to get a chance to play on a regular basis.
As it turned out, both Craig and the gregarious Joe Kelly are now members of the once dreaded Boston Red Sox - a team unlikely to reach the postseason in 2014.
The Cardinals, with shored-up pitching (Masterson from Cleveland, and now Lackey from Boston) will remain competitive. But if they're going to reach the postseason this year, it will be an entirely different path they'll be following - with pitching and defense overshadowing a once potent offense.
Last season, the Cardinals bludgeoned the opposition to reach the World Series; but they still lost in six games to a Red Sox team that had finished in last place in 2012. Quite possibly, Boston will finish last again in 2014. The Cardinals may start winning at a pace similar to last season's 97-win campaign. But it's going to be a different cast of characters leading the way. One year can bring about great change in baseball.
The trading deadline can do that over night.
The Cardinals scored thirteen runs for the second straight game - in a 13-3 thrashing of the Cincinnati Reds - as the now-departed Allen Craig had a perfect night in four plate appearances: three hits - including a home run - one base on balls, three runs scored and three runs batted in.
Two other former Cardinals - David Freese and Carlos Beltran - made their presence felt in this game right from the outset. Freese launched a bases loaded first-inning double - scoring Beltran, Craig and Matt Holliday - to give St Louis a 3-0 lead - then later scored the fourth run of the inning to put the game on ice. He finished the night with four runs batted in.
After scoring another run in the second, the Redbirds exploded for four runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth, to build a 12-0 advantage.
Shelby Miller pitched brilliantly for the first five innings, but ran afoul in the sixth, even with that twelve-run lead to work with. Joey Votto's three run home run prompted manager Mike Matheny to remove his enigmatic rookie - who still won the game (11-7) - but forced the bullpen into four innings of work - instead of getting a night off. It didn't seem to matter - as Kevin Siegrist logged two perfect innings of relief - striking out three - while Keith Butler allowed just one hit in his two-inning scoreless stint.
Beltran also had a perfect night in four plate appearances: three hits - including two doubles - one base on balls and four runs scored.
Jon Jay had two hits and three runs batted in, while Daniel Descalso added three hits - including two solo home runs - and scored three runs to round out the major offensive performances for a Cardinal team that would lead the National League in runs scored in 2013 - by a wide margin.
Strangely enough, lead-off hitter Matt Carpenter - who led the league with 126 runs scored - was 0 for 6 in this game. But he had a little help from his friends tonight - who had five hits in eight attempts with runners in scoring position.
For the season, St Louis hit .330 with RISP - giving perhaps a false hope that they could do something like that again in 2014. That hasn't happened - although the team is still competitive - with a greatly improved defense and a pitching staff that leads major league baseball with 18 shutouts.
The recent departure of another sentimental favorite - Allen Craig was inevitable - at least as far as I was concerned. On Twitter, just a few days before the deal went down, I tweeted: "Have a feeling Allen Craig will be gone...very soon." Of course, I had no idea who the Cardinals planned to acquire - I just felt he was going to be the odd man out - especially with the surplus of young outfielders in the system waiting to get a chance to play on a regular basis.
As it turned out, both Craig and the gregarious Joe Kelly are now members of the once dreaded Boston Red Sox - a team unlikely to reach the postseason in 2014.
The Cardinals, with shored-up pitching (Masterson from Cleveland, and now Lackey from Boston) will remain competitive. But if they're going to reach the postseason this year, it will be an entirely different path they'll be following - with pitching and defense overshadowing a once potent offense.
Last season, the Cardinals bludgeoned the opposition to reach the World Series; but they still lost in six games to a Red Sox team that had finished in last place in 2012. Quite possibly, Boston will finish last again in 2014. The Cardinals may start winning at a pace similar to last season's 97-win campaign. But it's going to be a different cast of characters leading the way. One year can bring about great change in baseball.
The trading deadline can do that over night.
Saturday, July 26, 2014
July 26, 2004 - Cards' Power-Hitting Trio Keys Extra-Inning Win Over Reds
Monday, July 26, 2004 - At Great American Ballpark (Woody Williams - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Paul Wilson - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 23,155
The Tremendous Trio - Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds - each homered and scored two runs, as the Cardinals won an eleven-inning war of attrition over the Cincinnati Reds, by a final score of 9-6. The three Redbird home runs were required to send the game to extra innings - deadlocked at five runs apiece.
Cincinnati also went yard three times; however, it would be a dropped fly ball by Reds' right fielder, Wily Mo Pena, which opened the floodgates in the eleventh-inning - allowing the opportunistic Cardinals to score four unearned runs to ensure victory.
St Louis starter - Woody Williams - had better games. He got off to a shaky start when a Sean Casey RBI double and a two-run home run off the bat of D'Angelo Jiminez gave the Reds a quick 3-0 lead after one inning.
The Cardinals got one run back in the second, when Scott Rolen led-off with a double - but only advanced to third when Jim Edmonds hit a long fly ball to center which Rolen thought was going to be caught - but it landed safely - causing a red-faced Rolen to hear Edmonds chirping from second base about being deprived of an RBI. Instead, Reggie Sanders had the honor - scoring Rolen with a sacrifice fly, to make it a 3-1 game.
In the fourth-inning, Rolen took matters into his own hands with a one-out solo home run - his 21st of the season - to trim the deficit to a 3-2 Cincinnati advantage.
Edmonds responded in the sixth-inning - jumping on the first pitch from Reds starter Paul Wilson for a two-out two-run home run - his 25th of the season - to give the Cardinals a brief 4-3 lead.
The Reds regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth, on a pair of solo home runs - the first from Adam Dunn, leading-off the inning - and one out later, a blast from Wily Mo Pena.
After Wilson retired the first two Cardinal batters in the eighth-inning, Pujols tied the game in dramatic fashion - by bashing his 29th home run of the season. At that point, Reds manager Dave Miley went to the bullpen - first bringing in Todd Jones, then Danny Graves - to keep the Cardinals scoreless until the eleventh.
Likewise, Tony LaRussa went to the bullpen after Williams completed his six innings of work - using Calero, Kline, Tavarz, Eldred and King (4-1) to keep the Reds in check through ten-innings.
With Phil Norton (1-3) on the mound for the Reds to begin the eleventh-inning, Edmonds coaxed a lead-off walk. That would be the only batter Norton would face, as John Riedling was summoned in from the bullpen to face Sanders - and he got his man on, a fly ball to right field. However, John Mabry couldn't be contained - lining a single to left, as Edmonds stopped at second.
Then, Mike Matheny cleverly lined one to Wily Mo Pena in right field - who dropped the ball. The clanging sound of ball meeting glove reverberated throughout the vast confines of Great American Ballpark - as the opportunistic Redbirds now had the bases loaded with just one out.
The Cardinal batters decided right field was the place to hit it - and they did just that to score four unearned runs.
Tony Womack drove in the first unearned run for the Cardinals, with a single to Wily Mo - scoring Edmonds. Next up, pinch hitter So Taguchi (batting for winning pitcher Ray King) hit a long sacrifice fly to Wily Mo - not only scoring Mabry with the second unearned run of the inning - it also advanced the clever and speedy Matheny to third. Womack then stole second with Edgar Renteria at bat. With first base open, Riedling, not so cleverly decided to pitch to the Cardinals' shortstop - and Edgar rewarded him with a two-run single to Wily Mo - to conclude the scoring for St Louis: Four unearned runs, to take a 9-5 lead, heading into the bottom of the eleventh.
Jason Isringhausen - in a non-save situation - closed the game out - although he allowed an unearned run of his own - but that was it. John Mabry - a good hitter but not a great left fielder - dropped Adam Dunn's line drive to open the bottom of the eleventh. The clanging sound reverberated nicely from the acoustical splendor of left field. Then one out later, with Dunn on second base, Wily Mo tried to atone for his earlier gaffe - lining a ground rule double to score the final run of the game for Cincinnati.
In the end, the game that began as a six-home run slug-fest in regulation, became an extra-inning comedy of errors. The Cardinals had the last laugh - improving to 63-36 - first place in the NL Central - now 10 games ahead of the second-place Cubs.
The Tremendous Trio - Albert Pujols, Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds - each homered and scored two runs, as the Cardinals won an eleven-inning war of attrition over the Cincinnati Reds, by a final score of 9-6. The three Redbird home runs were required to send the game to extra innings - deadlocked at five runs apiece.
Cincinnati also went yard three times; however, it would be a dropped fly ball by Reds' right fielder, Wily Mo Pena, which opened the floodgates in the eleventh-inning - allowing the opportunistic Cardinals to score four unearned runs to ensure victory.
St Louis starter - Woody Williams - had better games. He got off to a shaky start when a Sean Casey RBI double and a two-run home run off the bat of D'Angelo Jiminez gave the Reds a quick 3-0 lead after one inning.
The Cardinals got one run back in the second, when Scott Rolen led-off with a double - but only advanced to third when Jim Edmonds hit a long fly ball to center which Rolen thought was going to be caught - but it landed safely - causing a red-faced Rolen to hear Edmonds chirping from second base about being deprived of an RBI. Instead, Reggie Sanders had the honor - scoring Rolen with a sacrifice fly, to make it a 3-1 game.
In the fourth-inning, Rolen took matters into his own hands with a one-out solo home run - his 21st of the season - to trim the deficit to a 3-2 Cincinnati advantage.
Edmonds responded in the sixth-inning - jumping on the first pitch from Reds starter Paul Wilson for a two-out two-run home run - his 25th of the season - to give the Cardinals a brief 4-3 lead.
The Reds regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth, on a pair of solo home runs - the first from Adam Dunn, leading-off the inning - and one out later, a blast from Wily Mo Pena.
After Wilson retired the first two Cardinal batters in the eighth-inning, Pujols tied the game in dramatic fashion - by bashing his 29th home run of the season. At that point, Reds manager Dave Miley went to the bullpen - first bringing in Todd Jones, then Danny Graves - to keep the Cardinals scoreless until the eleventh.
Likewise, Tony LaRussa went to the bullpen after Williams completed his six innings of work - using Calero, Kline, Tavarz, Eldred and King (4-1) to keep the Reds in check through ten-innings.
With Phil Norton (1-3) on the mound for the Reds to begin the eleventh-inning, Edmonds coaxed a lead-off walk. That would be the only batter Norton would face, as John Riedling was summoned in from the bullpen to face Sanders - and he got his man on, a fly ball to right field. However, John Mabry couldn't be contained - lining a single to left, as Edmonds stopped at second.
Then, Mike Matheny cleverly lined one to Wily Mo Pena in right field - who dropped the ball. The clanging sound of ball meeting glove reverberated throughout the vast confines of Great American Ballpark - as the opportunistic Redbirds now had the bases loaded with just one out.
The Cardinal batters decided right field was the place to hit it - and they did just that to score four unearned runs.
Tony Womack drove in the first unearned run for the Cardinals, with a single to Wily Mo - scoring Edmonds. Next up, pinch hitter So Taguchi (batting for winning pitcher Ray King) hit a long sacrifice fly to Wily Mo - not only scoring Mabry with the second unearned run of the inning - it also advanced the clever and speedy Matheny to third. Womack then stole second with Edgar Renteria at bat. With first base open, Riedling, not so cleverly decided to pitch to the Cardinals' shortstop - and Edgar rewarded him with a two-run single to Wily Mo - to conclude the scoring for St Louis: Four unearned runs, to take a 9-5 lead, heading into the bottom of the eleventh.
Jason Isringhausen - in a non-save situation - closed the game out - although he allowed an unearned run of his own - but that was it. John Mabry - a good hitter but not a great left fielder - dropped Adam Dunn's line drive to open the bottom of the eleventh. The clanging sound reverberated nicely from the acoustical splendor of left field. Then one out later, with Dunn on second base, Wily Mo tried to atone for his earlier gaffe - lining a ground rule double to score the final run of the game for Cincinnati.
In the end, the game that began as a six-home run slug-fest in regulation, became an extra-inning comedy of errors. The Cardinals had the last laugh - improving to 63-36 - first place in the NL Central - now 10 games ahead of the second-place Cubs.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
July 6, 1967 - Thrilling Come-From-Behind Walk-Off Winner Over Reds
Thursday, July 6, 1967 - At Busch Stadium II (Dick Hughes - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Mel Queen - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 26,131
The Cardinals had to overcome a pair of fielding miscues along with some poor base running - to walk-off with a thrilling 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds - a game that was loaded with rarities.
Cincinnati struck first, in shocking fashion - with one out in the third-inning. Back-up catcher Jim Coker - playing in his ninth and final major league season - shocked everybody - including himself - with a triple - his first since 1960 - and the last one he'd ever hit.
With pitcher Mel Queen now batting, Reds manager Dave Bristol put the squeeze play on; however, Queen's bunt was so well-placed, by the time Tim McCarver retrieved it, not only had the runner from third scored, Queen was safe at first with a single.
Next, Bristol immediately put Queen in motion, stealing second - as a befuddled shortstop Dal Maxvill completely missed the throw from McCarver - allowing Queen to ramble all the way in to score the second run of the inning on the error. Queen would steal one more base in '67 - and that would be his grand total for eight major league seasons.
However, the Cardinals were a resilient bunch in 1967 - striking back with long-ball power in the fourth-inning. After Roger Maris drew a lead-off walk, Orlando Cepeda hit one deep to left to tie the game, 2-2. Tim McCarver followed with a home run of his own, giving the Cardinals a temporary 3-2 lead on the back-to-back long balls.
The Reds - also a resilient bunch - bounced back in the sixth-inning, after the first two batters were retired. Pete Rose tripled, then Tony Perez hit a mammoth home run over the wall in left-center to suddenly make it a 4-3 Cincinnati lead. After Maxvill committed his second error of the game, on a ground ball off the bat of Deron Johnson, he was given the rest of the night off. Luckily, that error didn't lead to further scoring.
Unfortunately, Maxvill's replacement had trouble fielding the position, as well.
After St Louis failed to score off Queen in the sixth and seventh, Cincinnai added another unearned run in the eighth-inning - off reliever Ron Willis. With one out, Rose singled, then took third as the defensive replacement at shortstop - Eddie Bressoud - booted a ground ball off the bat of Perez. Johnson then singled to center field, scoring Rose with another unearned run, as Perez held up at second.
With the Reds already up by two runs, Cardinal manager Red Schoendienst brought in lefty Joe Hoerner to restore order - and he did - getting Art Shamsky on a popup to short and Dick Simpson on a called strike three.
With the Cardinals now trailing, 5-3 - Cepeda led-off the eighth-inning with a single to left field - but was out at second - unwisely trying to stretch it into a double. When McCarver was retired on a lazy fly ball to center for the second out of the inning, some of the fans started heading for the exits.
But then a tiring Queen hit Mike Shannon with a pitch, bringing Julian Javier to the plate. Javier, who hit a career-high 14 home runs in 1967, hit one of them here to tie the game - and send the crowd into a state of delirium - as many of those vacated seats once again became occupied.
After Hoerner (4-2) set the Reds down in order in their half of the ninth-inning, the Redbirds finished them off in the bottom half, off reliever Bob Lee (1-2). With one out, lead-off hitter Bobby Tolan - playing in place of Lou Brock, who was given a rare night off - singled, then promptly stole second. With first base open, Curt Flood drew a base on balls. Maris tried to end it with a line drive to left, but Shamsky made a nice catch for the second out.
But then Cepeda - seeking redemption for unwisely testing the arm of left fielder Shamsky one inning earlier - delivered the game-winning single to center field - easily scoring the speedy Tolan from second base - as Cards' broadcaster Harry Caray spewed his patented "Cardinals win!" summation a half dozen times to a blissful Cardinal Nation listening over the air waves.
Tonight's win earned the first-place Cardinals a split of the four-game series with the Reds - sending them packing, still four games back. Meanwhile, the second-place Cubs also lost, moving them a game and a half off the pace. For the Cardinals, this was the biggest win of the year - but there would be many more "biggest win of the year" games to follow in the not-too-distant future.
The Cardinals had to overcome a pair of fielding miscues along with some poor base running - to walk-off with a thrilling 6-5 win over the Cincinnati Reds - a game that was loaded with rarities.
Cincinnati struck first, in shocking fashion - with one out in the third-inning. Back-up catcher Jim Coker - playing in his ninth and final major league season - shocked everybody - including himself - with a triple - his first since 1960 - and the last one he'd ever hit.
With pitcher Mel Queen now batting, Reds manager Dave Bristol put the squeeze play on; however, Queen's bunt was so well-placed, by the time Tim McCarver retrieved it, not only had the runner from third scored, Queen was safe at first with a single.
Next, Bristol immediately put Queen in motion, stealing second - as a befuddled shortstop Dal Maxvill completely missed the throw from McCarver - allowing Queen to ramble all the way in to score the second run of the inning on the error. Queen would steal one more base in '67 - and that would be his grand total for eight major league seasons.
However, the Cardinals were a resilient bunch in 1967 - striking back with long-ball power in the fourth-inning. After Roger Maris drew a lead-off walk, Orlando Cepeda hit one deep to left to tie the game, 2-2. Tim McCarver followed with a home run of his own, giving the Cardinals a temporary 3-2 lead on the back-to-back long balls.
The Reds - also a resilient bunch - bounced back in the sixth-inning, after the first two batters were retired. Pete Rose tripled, then Tony Perez hit a mammoth home run over the wall in left-center to suddenly make it a 4-3 Cincinnati lead. After Maxvill committed his second error of the game, on a ground ball off the bat of Deron Johnson, he was given the rest of the night off. Luckily, that error didn't lead to further scoring.
Unfortunately, Maxvill's replacement had trouble fielding the position, as well.
After St Louis failed to score off Queen in the sixth and seventh, Cincinnai added another unearned run in the eighth-inning - off reliever Ron Willis. With one out, Rose singled, then took third as the defensive replacement at shortstop - Eddie Bressoud - booted a ground ball off the bat of Perez. Johnson then singled to center field, scoring Rose with another unearned run, as Perez held up at second.
With the Reds already up by two runs, Cardinal manager Red Schoendienst brought in lefty Joe Hoerner to restore order - and he did - getting Art Shamsky on a popup to short and Dick Simpson on a called strike three.
With the Cardinals now trailing, 5-3 - Cepeda led-off the eighth-inning with a single to left field - but was out at second - unwisely trying to stretch it into a double. When McCarver was retired on a lazy fly ball to center for the second out of the inning, some of the fans started heading for the exits.
But then a tiring Queen hit Mike Shannon with a pitch, bringing Julian Javier to the plate. Javier, who hit a career-high 14 home runs in 1967, hit one of them here to tie the game - and send the crowd into a state of delirium - as many of those vacated seats once again became occupied.
After Hoerner (4-2) set the Reds down in order in their half of the ninth-inning, the Redbirds finished them off in the bottom half, off reliever Bob Lee (1-2). With one out, lead-off hitter Bobby Tolan - playing in place of Lou Brock, who was given a rare night off - singled, then promptly stole second. With first base open, Curt Flood drew a base on balls. Maris tried to end it with a line drive to left, but Shamsky made a nice catch for the second out.
But then Cepeda - seeking redemption for unwisely testing the arm of left fielder Shamsky one inning earlier - delivered the game-winning single to center field - easily scoring the speedy Tolan from second base - as Cards' broadcaster Harry Caray spewed his patented "Cardinals win!" summation a half dozen times to a blissful Cardinal Nation listening over the air waves.
Tonight's win earned the first-place Cardinals a split of the four-game series with the Reds - sending them packing, still four games back. Meanwhile, the second-place Cubs also lost, moving them a game and a half off the pace. For the Cardinals, this was the biggest win of the year - but there would be many more "biggest win of the year" games to follow in the not-too-distant future.
Friday, July 4, 2014
July 4, 2000 - Plenty of Fireworks in 14-3 Blowout of Reds
Tuesday, July 4, 2000 - At Busch Stadium II (Andy Benes - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Cincinnati Reds (Ron Villone - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 46,022
Just one year after getting blown out at home by the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 17-5 - the red-hot Redbirds had plenty of fireworks in their arsenal this time around - most notably, the newly acquired Jim Edmonds, who had a pair of home runs which drove in four runs - as St Louis blasted the Reds - 14-3.
Of course, Edmonds had a lot of help from his teammates - Edgar Renteria and Mike Matheny both drove in three runs - Mark McGwire added two more RBI - and even Shawon Dunston and Keith McDonald drove in a run apiece.
Starting pitcher Andy Benes (9-3) worked solid six innings - allowing six hits and two walks - which scored two runs. He also struck out eight. Two relievers - Mark Thompson (1 IP - 1 H - 1 R - 0 BB - 1 SO - 1 HR) and Mike Matthews (2 IP - 2 H - 0 R - 0 BB - 3 SO) got the final nine outs with relative ease.
The Cardinals took charge of this game right from the start - scoring six runs in the first inning - but thanks to an error by Reds first baseman Sean Casey - five of the six runs scored were unearned.
After lead-off hitter Renteria was retired on a fly ball to left field - Casey then booted Shawon Dunston's ground ball, which allowed him to reach base. Apparently, Villone was already a bit rattled - uncorking a wild pitch to Edmonds, which advanced Dunston to second. From there he scored an unearned run after Edmonds hit the first of his two home runs. Only the run Edmonds scored was an earned run.
After Mark McGwire popped out to first, the inning should have been over. Instead the Cardinals worked a little two-out magic to score four more runs. A walk and two singles loaded the bases for Matheny, who drove in two with a single to center. Then another walk loaded the bases for Renteria, who atoned for his first AB failure by banging a two-run double to close out the scoring. It also sent Villone to a quick shower. His final pitching line: 0.2 IP - 5 H - 6 R - 1 ER - 2 BB - 0 SO - 1 HR
The Cardinals added eight more runs over the course of the final seven innings which was greatly facilitated by a grand total of ten walks issued by Reds' pitching - which probably explains why they had to throw 200 pitches just to get through eight innings of play.
Prior to this game, the Cardinals all-time won-loss record for games played on the Fourth of July was 79-89 - dating all the way back to 1892, when the team known as the St Louis Browns entered the National League. Of course, that lackluster record was compiled in the 19th and 20th centuries. Also, teams generally played double-headers on the Fourth of July - a tradition that waned when the first round of expansion hit in the early '60's - which explains why the total games played is so high.
The new millennium marked a new era for Cardinal baseball - especially for games played on Independence Day. Following this win in 2000, the Redbirds stayed red hot - winning the next seven July 4th games in a row. So far, St Louis is 11-3 in the 21st century - bringing their overall won-loss record to 90-92, prior to the game today.
More July 4th Cardinal trivia later...
Just one year after getting blown out at home by the Arizona Diamondbacks by a score of 17-5 - the red-hot Redbirds had plenty of fireworks in their arsenal this time around - most notably, the newly acquired Jim Edmonds, who had a pair of home runs which drove in four runs - as St Louis blasted the Reds - 14-3.
Of course, Edmonds had a lot of help from his teammates - Edgar Renteria and Mike Matheny both drove in three runs - Mark McGwire added two more RBI - and even Shawon Dunston and Keith McDonald drove in a run apiece.
Starting pitcher Andy Benes (9-3) worked solid six innings - allowing six hits and two walks - which scored two runs. He also struck out eight. Two relievers - Mark Thompson (1 IP - 1 H - 1 R - 0 BB - 1 SO - 1 HR) and Mike Matthews (2 IP - 2 H - 0 R - 0 BB - 3 SO) got the final nine outs with relative ease.
The Cardinals took charge of this game right from the start - scoring six runs in the first inning - but thanks to an error by Reds first baseman Sean Casey - five of the six runs scored were unearned.
After lead-off hitter Renteria was retired on a fly ball to left field - Casey then booted Shawon Dunston's ground ball, which allowed him to reach base. Apparently, Villone was already a bit rattled - uncorking a wild pitch to Edmonds, which advanced Dunston to second. From there he scored an unearned run after Edmonds hit the first of his two home runs. Only the run Edmonds scored was an earned run.
After Mark McGwire popped out to first, the inning should have been over. Instead the Cardinals worked a little two-out magic to score four more runs. A walk and two singles loaded the bases for Matheny, who drove in two with a single to center. Then another walk loaded the bases for Renteria, who atoned for his first AB failure by banging a two-run double to close out the scoring. It also sent Villone to a quick shower. His final pitching line: 0.2 IP - 5 H - 6 R - 1 ER - 2 BB - 0 SO - 1 HR
The Cardinals added eight more runs over the course of the final seven innings which was greatly facilitated by a grand total of ten walks issued by Reds' pitching - which probably explains why they had to throw 200 pitches just to get through eight innings of play.
Prior to this game, the Cardinals all-time won-loss record for games played on the Fourth of July was 79-89 - dating all the way back to 1892, when the team known as the St Louis Browns entered the National League. Of course, that lackluster record was compiled in the 19th and 20th centuries. Also, teams generally played double-headers on the Fourth of July - a tradition that waned when the first round of expansion hit in the early '60's - which explains why the total games played is so high.
The new millennium marked a new era for Cardinal baseball - especially for games played on Independence Day. Following this win in 2000, the Redbirds stayed red hot - winning the next seven July 4th games in a row. So far, St Louis is 11-3 in the 21st century - bringing their overall won-loss record to 90-92, prior to the game today.
More July 4th Cardinal trivia later...
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