Last year, the Cardinals managed to win 90 regular season games despite having an "off year" offensively. That's putting it mildly. Based on an OPS+ of 93, it was their second worst offensive season of the millennium. For the record, only the 2007 Cardinals (92 OPS+) were worse, offensively.
Last year, they managed to win 90 games despite outscoring their opponents by only 16 runs (619 to 603). Helping their cause was a major league-leading 23 shutouts from the pitching staff, which easily offset the 12 times the offense was blanked by the opposition. Also, despite the rather shaky performance of closer Trevor Rosenthal - who allowed 39% of first batters to reach base - he still managed to save 45 games - while the rest of the bullpen secured another ten. Those 55 saves also happened to be the most by any major league team. In other words, the Cardinals were usually engaged in low-scoring games that were decided by two or fewer runs.
Another thing that helped St Louis win a few extra games was a vastly improved defense. Essentially, the Redbirds went from being the second-worst defensive team in the league in 2013 (only Philadelphia was worse) to becoming the second-best defensive team in 2014 (only Cincinnati was better). The addition of right fielder Jason Heyward (from Atlanta) - one of the best defensive players in all of baseball - should put the Cardinals on top of the defensive metric charts by a wide margin in 2015.
Heyward's addition to the roster is just one of the ten major reasons the Cardinals will be vastly improved over last season. Actually, he's probably the number one reason, since he's upgrading a position - right field - that was among the worst in baseball last year for St Louis. The other nine reasons for the team's vast improvement over last year is based on the assumption that certain players (Adam Wainwright, Lance Lynn & Matt Holliday for example) will perform similarly this season as last.
Without further adieu, here are ten players who will add significantly greater value to the Cardinals in 2015 than the previous season:
* Yadier Molina suffered through an injury-marred season in '14 - playing in just 110 games, with diminished offensive production (.282/.333/.386). Yadi turns 33 in July, so a gradual decline in his skills is inevitable; however, he should be relatively healthy this season, so appearing in 140 games is likely, and a more potent offensive attack (.300/.360/.420) should be in the Cards as well.
* Kolten Wong is poised for a break-out season based on how well he finished last year - especially with his stellar performance in the postseason. Wong struggled early in the season, then after a brief stint in the minors, returned with renewed confidence and impressive power numbers. In 113 games Kolten finished with a .249/.292/.388 slash line. The other part of the second base dilemma last year was the woeful final season free agent Mark Ellis compiled. In 73 games, he hit .180 with absolutely no power. With Wong taking over on a full-time basis at second base, he should be able to play 150 games with this type of offensive production: .275/.330/.450. He'll probably hit 15 home runs, steal 30 bags and possibly win a Gold Glove Award. Yes, second base is in good hands again.
* Jaime Garcia has had a host of shoulder problems that has limited his work to just 99 innings over the course of the last two seasons. He appears to be healthy again and should be able to work 150 quality innings. His work this spring has been surprisingly effective, exceeding any reasonable expectation so far. His contribution to the Cardinal's success could be huge - possibly NL Comeback Player of the Year material.
* Kevin Siegrist had a variety of physical ailments last season that caused his ERA to skyrocket from 0.45 in '13 to 6.82 last year. He appears to be healthy again, with renewed confidence and effectiveness (5 IP - 0 ERA with 6 SO and just 1 BB so far this spring). Look for numbers much closer to 2013.
* Michael Wacha appears to be healthy again and ready to dominate batters with his blazing fastball and devastating change up - like he did late in 2013. He'll be the number three starter - and would be a number one on most teams. That's scary.
* Jordan Walden, who came over from the Braves in the Heyward deal, is another power arm in the bullpen (254 strikeouts in 211.2 career innings pitched), capable of closing out games whenever needed. Having another viable option will undoubtedly take some of the pressure off Trevor Rosenthal, who probably needed a break from time to time last season, but rarely got one.
* Speaking of Trevor Rosenthal...expect him to dominate hitters they way he did late in 2013, when he was almost flawless. In 2014, Rosenthal's walk rate was over five batters per nine innings. That's going to be cut in half.
* Marco Gonzalez has been impressive so far this spring (3-0 - 0.71 ERA), giving manager Mike Matheny another viable (left-handed) candidate for the starting rotation.
* John Lackey should be able to log close to 200 innings of solid starting pitching - another key to helping the bullpen stay fresh through the long season - and deep into the postseason.
* Jason Heyward - previously mentioned - but his impact on the Cardinals' success will be the greatest, since their biggest weakness from 2014 - right field - is now among their biggest strengths. Heyward is a viable MVP candidate - particularly if he hits for the type of power he's shown in the past (27 home runs a couple of years ago). Even if he just matches his career averages (.262/.351/.429), with his exceptional defensive play, he's an elite player. For the Cardinals front office, the decision to sign him to a long-term contract (he'll be a free agent after this season) should be a top priority - and nailed down sooner than later.
I don't think there's any doubt the Redbirds will be a much better team this year than last. In fact, the 2015 edition of the St Louis Cardinals may surpass the overall performance of the 2004 and 2005 teams.
Here's a ranking of each season of the millennium, combing the team OPS+ and ERA+ (defensive metrics not included):
Rank Year OPS+ ERA+ Total Postseason?
1(Tie) 2004 107 113 220 Y
1(Tie) 2005 98 122 220 Y (Best Pitching of the Millennium)
3 2013 102 110 212 Y
4(Tie) 2011 112 99 211 Y (Best Offense of the Millennium)
4(Tie) 2002 102 109 211 Y
6(Tie) 2000 103 107 210 Y
6(Tie) 2001 100 110 210 Y
6(Tie) 2009 98 112 210 Y
6(Tie) 2012 107 103 210 Y
10 2010 100 109 209 N
11 2008 107 101 208 N
12 2003 111 90 201 N (Worst Pitching of the Millennium)
13 2014 93 105 198 Y
14 2006 97 98 195 Y
15 2007 92 95 187 N (Worst Offense of the Millennium)
Obviously, these numbers provide a good measurement of the team's regular season performance - but once the postseason begins, anything can happen (example: 2006).
What can we expect in 2015? Here's my guesstimate: OPS+ 102 - ERA+ 119 (Total 221). By the time we factor in the expected superior defensive metrics, this could shape up to be the best Cardinal team of the millennium. No kidding.
Odds makers currently give the Cards a 12 to 1 shot to win the World Series. I think that makes them highly underrated...
Showing posts with label yadier molina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label yadier molina. Show all posts
Friday, March 27, 2015
Sunday, October 26, 2014
October 26, 2006 - Come-From-Behind Game 4 World Series Win Over Tigers
Thursday, October 26, 2006 - World Series - Game Four vs Detroit Tigers at Busch Stadium III - Starting Pitchers: Jeff Suppan vs Jeremy Bonderman - Attendance: 46,470
Game Four had been scheduled to be played on Wednesday, but was postponed, due to rain.
The Cardinals used timely hitting, good defense and capitalized on another inexplicably wild throw by Tigers' pitching to earn a pivotal come-from-behind World Series Game Four win - by a final score of 5-4. This win gives the Redbirds a formidable three games to one advantage over the bumbling Tigers, who - thanks to one enormous throwing error - managed to cough up two more unearned runs en route to blowing an early 3-0 lead.
After a rocky start - giving up three runs after three-innings - Jeff Suppan kept the Tigers off the board over his final three innings of work to give his teammates a chance to get back in the game.
Trailing 3-0 in the third-inning, the Cardinals broke through off Detroit starter Jeremy Bonderman - on a one-out single by Aaron Miles, a stolen base, and a two-out RBI double by David Eckstein - one of three doubles the World Series MVP would collect on the night.
The Cardinals used a pair of doubles in the fourth-inning by Scott Rolen and Yadier Molina to pull within one run - down 3-2.
However, in the sixth-inning Rolen's lead-off double - his second of the game - was wasted when reliever Fernando Rodney entered the game to strike out both Miles and pinch hitter John Rodriguez - stranding Rolen at third.
Rodney's only problem seemed to be what to do with any balls hit back to the mound - as we would see once again in the seventh-inning.
Still trailing 3-2, Eckstein led-off with another double, prompting manager Tony LaRussa to have pinch hitter So Taguchi - batting for Chris Duncan - lay down a sacrifice bunt - preferably one the pitcher would have to field. Sure enough, after fielding the bunt, Rodney somehow managed to throw the ball over the first baseman's head - allowing Eckstein to score the tying (unearned) run, as Taguchi advanced to second - representing the go-ahead (unearned) run.
After an intentional walk to Pujols, Rodney struck out both Edmonds and Rolen - but Preston Wilson came up with the big hit - a run-scoring single to left field. Left fielder Craig Monroe had no shot at nailing Taguchi at home, but Pujols was an easy out trying to take third. However, the Cardinals had finally taken a 4-3 lead - although it would be a short-lived lead.
With Braden Looper now pitching for the Cardinals to start the eighth-inning, Ivan Rodriguez greeted him with a lead-off double - then advanced to third on Placido Polanco's ground-out to the second baseman. That prompted LaRussa to bring in his rookie closer - Adam Wainwright - to get out of the jam. However, the first batter he faced - Brandon Inge - tied the game with a double to center field.
Suddenly, the game was very much in jeopardy. Detroit could take the lead again with another base hit, however, Wainwright struck out pinch hitter Alexis Gomez as well as Curtis Granderson, to end the threat.
With Joel Zumaya now pitching for the Tigers, Molina drew a lead-off walk to start the home half of the eighth. Miles then forced Yadi at second on a grounder to third base. Then, in a bizarre play, Zumaya struck out Encarnacion on a wild pitch, advancing Miles to second - although catcher Rodriguez was able to retrieve the ball in time to retire the batter at first base.
Next up - Eckstein - hit a line drive to left center field which probably should have been caught by Granderson - but the Tigers' center fielder slipped on the wet outfield grass, as the ball sailed over his head - good for another double, and good for his second RBI of the game. That was the only run in the inning, but it proved to be all that was necessary to take Game Four by a 5-4 final score.
Despite blowing the save, Wainwright pitched a perfect ninth to preserve his first career postseason win - and put the Redbirds on the cusp of what seemed like an impossible World Series championship just one short month ago.
In baseball, one month can bring about great change. A little rain can go a long way, too.
Game Four had been scheduled to be played on Wednesday, but was postponed, due to rain.
The Cardinals used timely hitting, good defense and capitalized on another inexplicably wild throw by Tigers' pitching to earn a pivotal come-from-behind World Series Game Four win - by a final score of 5-4. This win gives the Redbirds a formidable three games to one advantage over the bumbling Tigers, who - thanks to one enormous throwing error - managed to cough up two more unearned runs en route to blowing an early 3-0 lead.
After a rocky start - giving up three runs after three-innings - Jeff Suppan kept the Tigers off the board over his final three innings of work to give his teammates a chance to get back in the game.
Trailing 3-0 in the third-inning, the Cardinals broke through off Detroit starter Jeremy Bonderman - on a one-out single by Aaron Miles, a stolen base, and a two-out RBI double by David Eckstein - one of three doubles the World Series MVP would collect on the night.
The Cardinals used a pair of doubles in the fourth-inning by Scott Rolen and Yadier Molina to pull within one run - down 3-2.
However, in the sixth-inning Rolen's lead-off double - his second of the game - was wasted when reliever Fernando Rodney entered the game to strike out both Miles and pinch hitter John Rodriguez - stranding Rolen at third.
Rodney's only problem seemed to be what to do with any balls hit back to the mound - as we would see once again in the seventh-inning.
Still trailing 3-2, Eckstein led-off with another double, prompting manager Tony LaRussa to have pinch hitter So Taguchi - batting for Chris Duncan - lay down a sacrifice bunt - preferably one the pitcher would have to field. Sure enough, after fielding the bunt, Rodney somehow managed to throw the ball over the first baseman's head - allowing Eckstein to score the tying (unearned) run, as Taguchi advanced to second - representing the go-ahead (unearned) run.
After an intentional walk to Pujols, Rodney struck out both Edmonds and Rolen - but Preston Wilson came up with the big hit - a run-scoring single to left field. Left fielder Craig Monroe had no shot at nailing Taguchi at home, but Pujols was an easy out trying to take third. However, the Cardinals had finally taken a 4-3 lead - although it would be a short-lived lead.
With Braden Looper now pitching for the Cardinals to start the eighth-inning, Ivan Rodriguez greeted him with a lead-off double - then advanced to third on Placido Polanco's ground-out to the second baseman. That prompted LaRussa to bring in his rookie closer - Adam Wainwright - to get out of the jam. However, the first batter he faced - Brandon Inge - tied the game with a double to center field.
Suddenly, the game was very much in jeopardy. Detroit could take the lead again with another base hit, however, Wainwright struck out pinch hitter Alexis Gomez as well as Curtis Granderson, to end the threat.
With Joel Zumaya now pitching for the Tigers, Molina drew a lead-off walk to start the home half of the eighth. Miles then forced Yadi at second on a grounder to third base. Then, in a bizarre play, Zumaya struck out Encarnacion on a wild pitch, advancing Miles to second - although catcher Rodriguez was able to retrieve the ball in time to retire the batter at first base.
Next up - Eckstein - hit a line drive to left center field which probably should have been caught by Granderson - but the Tigers' center fielder slipped on the wet outfield grass, as the ball sailed over his head - good for another double, and good for his second RBI of the game. That was the only run in the inning, but it proved to be all that was necessary to take Game Four by a 5-4 final score.
Despite blowing the save, Wainwright pitched a perfect ninth to preserve his first career postseason win - and put the Redbirds on the cusp of what seemed like an impossible World Series championship just one short month ago.
In baseball, one month can bring about great change. A little rain can go a long way, too.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
October 21, 2006 - Cards Pound Verlander in Game One World Series Shocker
Saturday, October 21, 2006 - World Series - Game One vs Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park - Attendance: 42,479 - Starting Pitchers: Anthony Reyes vs Justin Verlander
The Cardinals - just two days after shocking the Mets at Shea Stadium in Game Seven of the NLCS - stun the baseball world again in Game One of the World Series, with a decisive 7-2 drubbing of Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers.
This wasn't supposed to happen. Detroit had already won seven of eight postseason games against the best competition in the American League (Not to mention, they had already swept a three-game series over the visiting Cards back in June).
By contrast, St Louis stumbled and bumbled their way into the postseason with a stretch run so wretched, they seemed destined for doom - at least eventually. Fortunately, that destiny at least waited until 2007 - after becoming World Champions.
Game One began as planned. Initially. After Verlander easily dispatched the Cardinals in their first at bat, the Tigers immediately pounced on rookie Anthony Reyes. A one-out double by Craig Monroe and a two-out walk to Magglio Ordonez preceded a Carlos Guillen run-scoring single to right field. When Juan Encarnacion booted the ball, the runners - Guillen and Ordonez - moved up to second and third for hot-hitting Ivan Rodriguez - who hit the ball hard - but right at third baseman Scott Rolen to end the threat.
Instead of being in at least a 3-0 hole, the Cardinals trailed by a mere run when Scott Rolen - who speared that Rodriguez liner - hit a one-out home run deep to left field. Just like that, this game was tied. It was all downhill for the Tigers after that.
The Cardinals continued their assault in the third inning. Game Seven NLCS hero Yadier Molina stroked a lead-off single to right - then, after advancing to second on an infield out - Verlander caught David Eckstein looking at a called third strike.
However, DH Chris Duncan got the two-out RBI - a double to right field - to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.
Next up - Albert Pujols, who struck out his first time up - got some revenge this time off Verlander - with an opposite field two-run blast over the right field wall - to suddenly give the Cards a 4-1 lead.
Meanwhile, after that shaky first-inning, Reyes was nearly perfect over his next seven-innings of work, protecting that lead - which grew to 7-1 by the time the Cardinals were done in the sixth.
In that fateful sixth-inning, after Pujols drew a lead-off walk, Verlander had him picked off, but threw the ball away - the first of five throwing errors Tiger pitchers would accumulate in the five game series. They had some help from their third baseman, Brandon Inge - especially a bit later in this inning.
At the moment, with Pujols standing on third base, the next hitter - Jim Edmonds - drove him in with a single to right field. After Scott Rolen's opposite field ground rule double into the right field seats put runners on second and third, manager Jim Leyland brought in a relative unknown reliever - Jason Grilli - who induced Encarnacion into hitting a routine ground ball to third baseman Inge.
However, Inge - apparently auditioning for a spot on the pitching staff - threw it away trying to nail Edmonds at home - allowing both Edmonds and Rolen to score - then, on the same play Inge threw it away again, but Encarnacion could only make it as far as third - just missing a rare Little League home run in a World Series game.
After Reyes gave up a lead-off home run to Craig Monroe in the bottom of the ninth, manager Tony LaRussa took no chances - bringing in a new arm to finish the job. Braden Looper retired the side to preserve this surprisingly easy 7-2 Game One winner for St Louis.
Meanwhile, distraught FOX Network television executives are ruefully anticipating the downward spike in ratings this supremely boring World Series will create. Another Subway Series vanished when the Yankees disappeared in the ALDS, followed by the big market Bay Area ousting of Oakland in the ALCS. Then the Cardinals had the audacity to bounce the other New York team out of the picture, while Detroit was on a five day vacation.
Sure enough, this would become the lowest rated World Series in television history. Much to the delight of the greater St Louis area and other remote points throughout Cardinal Nation.
The Cardinals - just two days after shocking the Mets at Shea Stadium in Game Seven of the NLCS - stun the baseball world again in Game One of the World Series, with a decisive 7-2 drubbing of Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers.
This wasn't supposed to happen. Detroit had already won seven of eight postseason games against the best competition in the American League (Not to mention, they had already swept a three-game series over the visiting Cards back in June).
By contrast, St Louis stumbled and bumbled their way into the postseason with a stretch run so wretched, they seemed destined for doom - at least eventually. Fortunately, that destiny at least waited until 2007 - after becoming World Champions.
Game One began as planned. Initially. After Verlander easily dispatched the Cardinals in their first at bat, the Tigers immediately pounced on rookie Anthony Reyes. A one-out double by Craig Monroe and a two-out walk to Magglio Ordonez preceded a Carlos Guillen run-scoring single to right field. When Juan Encarnacion booted the ball, the runners - Guillen and Ordonez - moved up to second and third for hot-hitting Ivan Rodriguez - who hit the ball hard - but right at third baseman Scott Rolen to end the threat.
Instead of being in at least a 3-0 hole, the Cardinals trailed by a mere run when Scott Rolen - who speared that Rodriguez liner - hit a one-out home run deep to left field. Just like that, this game was tied. It was all downhill for the Tigers after that.
The Cardinals continued their assault in the third inning. Game Seven NLCS hero Yadier Molina stroked a lead-off single to right - then, after advancing to second on an infield out - Verlander caught David Eckstein looking at a called third strike.
However, DH Chris Duncan got the two-out RBI - a double to right field - to give the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.
Next up - Albert Pujols, who struck out his first time up - got some revenge this time off Verlander - with an opposite field two-run blast over the right field wall - to suddenly give the Cards a 4-1 lead.
Meanwhile, after that shaky first-inning, Reyes was nearly perfect over his next seven-innings of work, protecting that lead - which grew to 7-1 by the time the Cardinals were done in the sixth.
In that fateful sixth-inning, after Pujols drew a lead-off walk, Verlander had him picked off, but threw the ball away - the first of five throwing errors Tiger pitchers would accumulate in the five game series. They had some help from their third baseman, Brandon Inge - especially a bit later in this inning.
At the moment, with Pujols standing on third base, the next hitter - Jim Edmonds - drove him in with a single to right field. After Scott Rolen's opposite field ground rule double into the right field seats put runners on second and third, manager Jim Leyland brought in a relative unknown reliever - Jason Grilli - who induced Encarnacion into hitting a routine ground ball to third baseman Inge.
However, Inge - apparently auditioning for a spot on the pitching staff - threw it away trying to nail Edmonds at home - allowing both Edmonds and Rolen to score - then, on the same play Inge threw it away again, but Encarnacion could only make it as far as third - just missing a rare Little League home run in a World Series game.
After Reyes gave up a lead-off home run to Craig Monroe in the bottom of the ninth, manager Tony LaRussa took no chances - bringing in a new arm to finish the job. Braden Looper retired the side to preserve this surprisingly easy 7-2 Game One winner for St Louis.
Meanwhile, distraught FOX Network television executives are ruefully anticipating the downward spike in ratings this supremely boring World Series will create. Another Subway Series vanished when the Yankees disappeared in the ALDS, followed by the big market Bay Area ousting of Oakland in the ALCS. Then the Cardinals had the audacity to bounce the other New York team out of the picture, while Detroit was on a five day vacation.
Sure enough, this would become the lowest rated World Series in television history. Much to the delight of the greater St Louis area and other remote points throughout Cardinal Nation.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
October 19, 2006 - Against All Odds: Molina's 9th-Inning Blast Sends Cards to World Series
Thursday, October 19, 2006 - Game 7 - NLCS vs New York Mets at Shea Stadium - Attendance: 56,357 - Starting Pitchers: Jeff Suppan vs Oliver Perez
The fact that the Cardinals were still playing this deep into the postseason baffled the vast majority of baseball experts who thought the San Diego Padres would send 'em home after three or four games of the NLDS. Instead, it would be the Pads losing a third straight postseason showdown with the Cards - three games to one. In '96 and again in '05, St Louis took care of San Diego in three straight games to advance to a NLCS which they would ultimately lose - first to Atlanta and then Houston.
This time around, San Diego managed to win one game, improving their lifetime postseason record to 1-9 vs the Cardinals.
Meanwhile, the heavily favored New York Mets had eliminated the Redbirds in just five NLCS games back in 2000 - as a wild card team, no less. This time around, the experts generally anticipated a four game sweep.
But here they were, playing a seventh and deciding game in this season's NLCS - both teams unwittingly conspiring to ice down a red-hot Detroit Tigers team that had eliminated the Oakland Athletics far too quickly in their championship series. The team that plays the waiting game usually has a tough time in the Fall Classic - as the Tigers would eventually find out.
If the Cardinals were going to advance to the World Series, they would have to win this game on the road - against a team that had already swept a three-game series from St Louis - right here at Shea Stadium, back in August.
Actually, winning road games anywhere was a challenge for the Cardinals in '06, as their 34-47 record away from home would attest. When the Mets scored a first-inning run on a two-out double by Carlos Beltran and a bloop RBI single by David Wright, the challenge got a bit more intense. However, Cards starter Jeff Suppan dodged a bullet when Shawn Green hit a bullet right at Scott Rolen at third base to minimize the damage.
The Cardinals tied the game in the second-inning off Mets starter Oliver Perez. A lead-off single by Jim Edmonds and a one-out bloop hit by Yadier Molina put runners on the corners for Ronnie Belliard. Manager Tony LaRussa - anticipating difficulty scoring runs - called for the squeeze play - and it worked. Belliard's bunt towards second base scored Edmonds to make it a 1-1 game.
In the third-inning, a lead-off double by David Eckstein went to waste, as Preston Wilson (nephew of Mets icon Mookie Wilson) struck out - then after an intentional walk to Albert Pujols, Juan Encarnacion grounded one to third baseman Wright who started an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play.
What happened in the sixth-inning is almost beyond belief.
Still tied at one run apiece, Jim Edmonds drew a one-out walk off a tiring Oliver Perez. Next up - Scott Rolen hit one deep to left field which seemed to be gone. But left fielder Endy Chavez somehow caught the ball at the absolute apex of his well-timed leap - not only bringing the ball back, but firing a strike to second baseman Jose Valentin who quickly relayed the ball to first baseman Carlos Delgado - to double up a very shocked Edmonds - while sending the fans into an absolute frenzy.
With all that momentum going for them, the Mets seemed almost certain to take the lead in the bottom half of the sixth. After a one-out walk to Delgado, Wright hit a ground ball to a distraught Scott Rolen, who hastily threw one into right field - trying to start a double play. Suddenly, New York had both runners in scoring position. With first base open, Suppan intentionally walked Green, then got perhaps the biggest strikeout of his career when he fanned Valentin on a nasty slider. Up next - the heroic Chavez - with a chance to add to his legend with a potential game-winning base hit - instead flew out to center to end the threat.
Mets reliever Chad Bradford (career postseason 0.39 ERA in 23.1 IP) worked a perfect seventh-inning - then Suppan finished up his terrific performance with another scoreless inning in the bottom half.
However, at this point in the game, the prospects for a Cardinal victory seemed remote - to say the least. During the regular season, the Redbirds only managed to win one game on the road when they were tied after seven innings of play. Strangely enough, that happened in the second game of the season - when they managed to score a ninth-inning run in Philadelphia, and held on for a 4-3 win.
On the other hand, the Cardinals lost nine times on the road when they were tied up after seven-innings. Even when they had the lead after seven-innings on the road, the Cardinals still managed to lose five games. To their credit, they did manage to win two games on the road when they were trailing after seven innings. Go figure.
So here they were, playing the biggest game of the year - in a 1-1 tie at Shea Stadium after seven-innings of play. Not exactly their blueprint for success in recent history.
A new Mets reliever - Aaron Heilman - pitched a scoreless eighth-inning - first retiring Eckstein on a ground ball to the first baseman - unassisted - then getting Scott Spiezio on a called third strike. Heilman wanted no part of Pujols, however - walking him intentionally with two-out and nobody on. He then struck out Encarnacion to retire the side. Whether or not that strategy had any impact on what would transpire in the ninth-inning is pure conjecture.
After Suppan walked Beltran to open the bottom of the eighth for the Mets, LaRussa brought in Randy Flores to face the heart of the New York lineup - and he was equal to the task - striking out both Delgado and Wright before inducing Green to ground out to Pujols - unassisted.
On to the ninth-inning. Heilman struck out Edmonds for out number one. Rolen then grounded a single to left field, bringing Yadier Molina up to the plate. Perhaps Heilman thought Yadi would take a pitch or two, to get ahead in the count - but that wasn't what Yadi had in mind. On a first pitch fastball, Molina lined one deep - and high enough - to clear the wall in left. Chavez would have needed a trampoline to have a shot at catching this one.
The Cards had a shocking 3-1 lead now - but this game was far from over.
Rookie Adam Wainwright came in for the save - but it wouldn't be easy. Both Valentin and Chavez singled to start the last of the ninth. With runners on first and second, pinch hitter Cliff Floyd couldn't pull the trigger on a called strike three. Jose Reyes then lined out to Edmonds in center for out number two. Next up - Paul LoDuca - walked to load the bases.
With the season on the line for both teams, the most dangerous postseason hitter the Cardinals have ever encountered - Carlos Beltran - stepped up to the plate. Three pitches later, he was out on strikes. The final pitch was a baffling curve ball on the outside corner which completely fooled Carlos - dropping about two feet to finish knee-high.
The Cardinals had survived this crazy game. On the road. With a National League championship on the line. On a home run from what was - at the time - the least likely candidate to go yard. They were on their way to their second World Series appearance in three years - quite naturally, as huge underdogs.
Of course, this team knew better - and they were about to shock the experts one more time.
The fact that the Cardinals were still playing this deep into the postseason baffled the vast majority of baseball experts who thought the San Diego Padres would send 'em home after three or four games of the NLDS. Instead, it would be the Pads losing a third straight postseason showdown with the Cards - three games to one. In '96 and again in '05, St Louis took care of San Diego in three straight games to advance to a NLCS which they would ultimately lose - first to Atlanta and then Houston.
This time around, San Diego managed to win one game, improving their lifetime postseason record to 1-9 vs the Cardinals.
Meanwhile, the heavily favored New York Mets had eliminated the Redbirds in just five NLCS games back in 2000 - as a wild card team, no less. This time around, the experts generally anticipated a four game sweep.
But here they were, playing a seventh and deciding game in this season's NLCS - both teams unwittingly conspiring to ice down a red-hot Detroit Tigers team that had eliminated the Oakland Athletics far too quickly in their championship series. The team that plays the waiting game usually has a tough time in the Fall Classic - as the Tigers would eventually find out.
If the Cardinals were going to advance to the World Series, they would have to win this game on the road - against a team that had already swept a three-game series from St Louis - right here at Shea Stadium, back in August.
Actually, winning road games anywhere was a challenge for the Cardinals in '06, as their 34-47 record away from home would attest. When the Mets scored a first-inning run on a two-out double by Carlos Beltran and a bloop RBI single by David Wright, the challenge got a bit more intense. However, Cards starter Jeff Suppan dodged a bullet when Shawn Green hit a bullet right at Scott Rolen at third base to minimize the damage.
The Cardinals tied the game in the second-inning off Mets starter Oliver Perez. A lead-off single by Jim Edmonds and a one-out bloop hit by Yadier Molina put runners on the corners for Ronnie Belliard. Manager Tony LaRussa - anticipating difficulty scoring runs - called for the squeeze play - and it worked. Belliard's bunt towards second base scored Edmonds to make it a 1-1 game.
In the third-inning, a lead-off double by David Eckstein went to waste, as Preston Wilson (nephew of Mets icon Mookie Wilson) struck out - then after an intentional walk to Albert Pujols, Juan Encarnacion grounded one to third baseman Wright who started an inning-ending 5-4-3 double play.
What happened in the sixth-inning is almost beyond belief.
Still tied at one run apiece, Jim Edmonds drew a one-out walk off a tiring Oliver Perez. Next up - Scott Rolen hit one deep to left field which seemed to be gone. But left fielder Endy Chavez somehow caught the ball at the absolute apex of his well-timed leap - not only bringing the ball back, but firing a strike to second baseman Jose Valentin who quickly relayed the ball to first baseman Carlos Delgado - to double up a very shocked Edmonds - while sending the fans into an absolute frenzy.
With all that momentum going for them, the Mets seemed almost certain to take the lead in the bottom half of the sixth. After a one-out walk to Delgado, Wright hit a ground ball to a distraught Scott Rolen, who hastily threw one into right field - trying to start a double play. Suddenly, New York had both runners in scoring position. With first base open, Suppan intentionally walked Green, then got perhaps the biggest strikeout of his career when he fanned Valentin on a nasty slider. Up next - the heroic Chavez - with a chance to add to his legend with a potential game-winning base hit - instead flew out to center to end the threat.
Mets reliever Chad Bradford (career postseason 0.39 ERA in 23.1 IP) worked a perfect seventh-inning - then Suppan finished up his terrific performance with another scoreless inning in the bottom half.
However, at this point in the game, the prospects for a Cardinal victory seemed remote - to say the least. During the regular season, the Redbirds only managed to win one game on the road when they were tied after seven innings of play. Strangely enough, that happened in the second game of the season - when they managed to score a ninth-inning run in Philadelphia, and held on for a 4-3 win.
On the other hand, the Cardinals lost nine times on the road when they were tied up after seven-innings. Even when they had the lead after seven-innings on the road, the Cardinals still managed to lose five games. To their credit, they did manage to win two games on the road when they were trailing after seven innings. Go figure.
So here they were, playing the biggest game of the year - in a 1-1 tie at Shea Stadium after seven-innings of play. Not exactly their blueprint for success in recent history.
A new Mets reliever - Aaron Heilman - pitched a scoreless eighth-inning - first retiring Eckstein on a ground ball to the first baseman - unassisted - then getting Scott Spiezio on a called third strike. Heilman wanted no part of Pujols, however - walking him intentionally with two-out and nobody on. He then struck out Encarnacion to retire the side. Whether or not that strategy had any impact on what would transpire in the ninth-inning is pure conjecture.
After Suppan walked Beltran to open the bottom of the eighth for the Mets, LaRussa brought in Randy Flores to face the heart of the New York lineup - and he was equal to the task - striking out both Delgado and Wright before inducing Green to ground out to Pujols - unassisted.
On to the ninth-inning. Heilman struck out Edmonds for out number one. Rolen then grounded a single to left field, bringing Yadier Molina up to the plate. Perhaps Heilman thought Yadi would take a pitch or two, to get ahead in the count - but that wasn't what Yadi had in mind. On a first pitch fastball, Molina lined one deep - and high enough - to clear the wall in left. Chavez would have needed a trampoline to have a shot at catching this one.
The Cards had a shocking 3-1 lead now - but this game was far from over.
Rookie Adam Wainwright came in for the save - but it wouldn't be easy. Both Valentin and Chavez singled to start the last of the ninth. With runners on first and second, pinch hitter Cliff Floyd couldn't pull the trigger on a called strike three. Jose Reyes then lined out to Edmonds in center for out number two. Next up - Paul LoDuca - walked to load the bases.
With the season on the line for both teams, the most dangerous postseason hitter the Cardinals have ever encountered - Carlos Beltran - stepped up to the plate. Three pitches later, he was out on strikes. The final pitch was a baffling curve ball on the outside corner which completely fooled Carlos - dropping about two feet to finish knee-high.
The Cardinals had survived this crazy game. On the road. With a National League championship on the line. On a home run from what was - at the time - the least likely candidate to go yard. They were on their way to their second World Series appearance in three years - quite naturally, as huge underdogs.
Of course, this team knew better - and they were about to shock the experts one more time.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
September 16, 2011 - 2-Run 11th-Inning Give Cards Crucial 4-2 Win Over Phillies
Friday, September 16, 2011 - At Citizens Bank Park (Jaime Garcia - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies (Vance Worley - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 45,572
Cardinals' rookie Adron Chambers picked a good time to get his first major league hit. Batting with two runners on in a 2-2 tie with the Phillies - Chambers - in only his second major league at bat - lined a single to right, scoring Rafael Furcal from second base with the go-ahead run. The Cardinals added an insurance run when the much-maligned Tyler Greene scored Albert Pujols from second with a double high off the wall in left - which missed going in the seats for a three-run homer by a couple of feet.
Chambers almost scored as well, but was out on a close play at the plate. It didn't matter, as a smiling Adron received a well-deserved hero's welcome in the Cardinals' dugout - while Fernando Salas was busy working an uneventful inning of relief for his 24th save of the season - giving Kyle McClellan (12-6) the win after pitching a perfect tenth-inning of relief.
The Cardinals had great pitching all throughout this game - and if not for a dropped fly ball by right fielder Corey Patterson - they would've walked away with a 2-1 win in regulation. But that would've been too boring - something the '11 Redbirds definitely were not.
Phillies starter Vance Worley pitched quite well in his six-inning stint - allowing just one run on six hits and three walks. But his control problems cost him in the second-inning, when he issued all three of those walks - the last one to Rafael Furcal with the bases loaded forced in the first run of the game - staking Jaime Garcia to an early 1-0 lead.
However, that lead was short-lived, as Garcia yielded back-to-back doubles to Polanco and Mayberry in the bottom half of the second to tie the game at one run apiece. That would be the only run Philadelphia would score on Garcia in his seven innings of work.
In the eighth-inning, with reliever Bastardo pitching for the Phillies, Yadier Molina lined a one-out solo home run off the left field foul pole - staking Garcia to a 2-1 lead.
After Rzepczynski and Dotel collaborated on a scoreless eighth-inning, Jason Motte was called on to nail it down in the ninth - but Ryan Howard's two-out pinch hit double kept the inning alive for Carlos Ruiz. Then Cardinals right fielder Corey Patterson kept the inning - and the game - alive for Philadelphia when he dropped Ruiz' fly ball for a very costly run-scoring error.
Had the Phillies gone on to win this game, they would have clinched the NL East title. That explains why a grinning Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino was busy getting Ruiz' attention on second base - popping an imaginary bottle of champagne, then guzzling an imaginary glass of bubbly - while his chortling teammates joined in on the mock celebration.
It was quite a show, and it's unlikely the Cardinals on the field and in the dugout failed to miss their little vaudeville act. "Not tonight" became the unofficial mantra for the Redbirds - who could ill-afford to lose this one in their hunt for that all-important wild card slot.
Arthur Rhodes then came out of the bullpen to relieve a distraught Motte - striking out his man to end the threat - and send the game into overtime.
After McClellan did his job in the tenth, Phillies reliever Michael Schwimer was summoned to face the Cardinals in the eleventh. Furcal greeted him with a lead-off double down the right field line. Patterson then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to third. Predictably, Albert Pujols was intentionally walked - bringing Adron Chambers - who had entered the game a bit earlier after a series of pitching changes created lineup changes - such as the one which removed cleanup hitter Lance Berkman from the game.
As the Citizens Bank Park crowd watched in horror, Berkman's replacement - Chambers of all people - got the biggest hit of the year for St Louis - driving in the go-ahead run in a game the Cards could ill-afford to lose.
Fernando Salas officially put the Phillies' champagne celebration on hold when he struck out Marberry to preserve the 4-2 win.
Meanwhile, in New York, the Mets were doing their part in aiding and abetting the dreaded Redbirds by knocking off the Braves, 12-2.
St Louis (82-68) now trailed wild card-leader Atlanta (86-65) by 3.5 games. Somehow, that lead didn't seem like such a big deal.
Cardinals' rookie Adron Chambers picked a good time to get his first major league hit. Batting with two runners on in a 2-2 tie with the Phillies - Chambers - in only his second major league at bat - lined a single to right, scoring Rafael Furcal from second base with the go-ahead run. The Cardinals added an insurance run when the much-maligned Tyler Greene scored Albert Pujols from second with a double high off the wall in left - which missed going in the seats for a three-run homer by a couple of feet.
Chambers almost scored as well, but was out on a close play at the plate. It didn't matter, as a smiling Adron received a well-deserved hero's welcome in the Cardinals' dugout - while Fernando Salas was busy working an uneventful inning of relief for his 24th save of the season - giving Kyle McClellan (12-6) the win after pitching a perfect tenth-inning of relief.
The Cardinals had great pitching all throughout this game - and if not for a dropped fly ball by right fielder Corey Patterson - they would've walked away with a 2-1 win in regulation. But that would've been too boring - something the '11 Redbirds definitely were not.
Phillies starter Vance Worley pitched quite well in his six-inning stint - allowing just one run on six hits and three walks. But his control problems cost him in the second-inning, when he issued all three of those walks - the last one to Rafael Furcal with the bases loaded forced in the first run of the game - staking Jaime Garcia to an early 1-0 lead.
However, that lead was short-lived, as Garcia yielded back-to-back doubles to Polanco and Mayberry in the bottom half of the second to tie the game at one run apiece. That would be the only run Philadelphia would score on Garcia in his seven innings of work.
In the eighth-inning, with reliever Bastardo pitching for the Phillies, Yadier Molina lined a one-out solo home run off the left field foul pole - staking Garcia to a 2-1 lead.
After Rzepczynski and Dotel collaborated on a scoreless eighth-inning, Jason Motte was called on to nail it down in the ninth - but Ryan Howard's two-out pinch hit double kept the inning alive for Carlos Ruiz. Then Cardinals right fielder Corey Patterson kept the inning - and the game - alive for Philadelphia when he dropped Ruiz' fly ball for a very costly run-scoring error.
Had the Phillies gone on to win this game, they would have clinched the NL East title. That explains why a grinning Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino was busy getting Ruiz' attention on second base - popping an imaginary bottle of champagne, then guzzling an imaginary glass of bubbly - while his chortling teammates joined in on the mock celebration.
It was quite a show, and it's unlikely the Cardinals on the field and in the dugout failed to miss their little vaudeville act. "Not tonight" became the unofficial mantra for the Redbirds - who could ill-afford to lose this one in their hunt for that all-important wild card slot.
Arthur Rhodes then came out of the bullpen to relieve a distraught Motte - striking out his man to end the threat - and send the game into overtime.
After McClellan did his job in the tenth, Phillies reliever Michael Schwimer was summoned to face the Cardinals in the eleventh. Furcal greeted him with a lead-off double down the right field line. Patterson then laid down a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner to third. Predictably, Albert Pujols was intentionally walked - bringing Adron Chambers - who had entered the game a bit earlier after a series of pitching changes created lineup changes - such as the one which removed cleanup hitter Lance Berkman from the game.
As the Citizens Bank Park crowd watched in horror, Berkman's replacement - Chambers of all people - got the biggest hit of the year for St Louis - driving in the go-ahead run in a game the Cards could ill-afford to lose.
Fernando Salas officially put the Phillies' champagne celebration on hold when he struck out Marberry to preserve the 4-2 win.
Meanwhile, in New York, the Mets were doing their part in aiding and abetting the dreaded Redbirds by knocking off the Braves, 12-2.
St Louis (82-68) now trailed wild card-leader Atlanta (86-65) by 3.5 games. Somehow, that lead didn't seem like such a big deal.
Friday, September 12, 2014
September 12, 2006 - Come-From-Behind Walk-Off Win Over Houston
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 - At Busch Stadium III (Jeff Weaver - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Houston Astros (Andy Pettitte - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 41,453
Albert Pujols' two-out two-run ninth-inning double scored Skip Schumaker from second and Scott Spiezio from first - to lift the Cardinals to a dramatic 6-5 walk-off win over the Houston Astros.
Houston closer Brad Lidge - who gave up that famous game-winning three-run home run to Pujols in Game Five of the 2005 NLCS - was victimized once again by his nemesis. As the rest of the regular season unfolded, this particular game-winning Pujols hit was - quite simply - the difference between postseason play for the Redbirds in 2006 - or going home.
At the time, this win over Houston merely padded the Cardinals' lead to five games over their division rivals - with just eighteen games remaining on the schedule. However, that comfortable five-game lead would dwindle to a half-game - thanks in large part to a four-game sweep at the hands of the Astros - September 21 - 24 (Games 151-154).
Yes, it was unnerving to be a Cardinal fan at that time. But the Cardinals were a resilient team - as we all found out for sure, by the time the postseason rolled around.
Before all that ninth-inning excitement, this game was a see-saw battle throughout - with Houston striking first - on a first-inning solo home run by Mike Lamb off St Louis starter Jeff Weaver.
The Cardinals grabbed the lead in the third-inning - on Preston Wilson's two-out two-run home run off Astros starter Andy Pettitte. When the next batter - Scott Spiezio reached on an error by shortstop Eric Bruntlett, manager Phil Garner abruptly removed his starter - apparently due to some sort of injury. Pettitte had worked just 2.2 innings in this game - and that home run was the only hit he allowed. He walked one (who scored) and struck out two - but now he was suddenly out of the game.
Pettitte wouldn't appear in another game for the Astros until September 21 - when he worked five innings in a start vs the Cardinals - allowing five runs - in a game eventually won by Houston. Whether or not his absence from the Houston starting rotation played a role in the outcome of this crazy division race is just another topic in the "what if" game for 2006.
What we do know is that the Astros took the lead once again in this game - on pinch hitter Orlando Palmeiro's bases loaded two-run single in the fourth-inning: Houston 3 - St Louis 2.
The Cardinals tied it again in their half of the fourth, when the young, light-hitting catcher - Yadier Molina - singled with two out to bring home Edwin Encarnacion - who had previously tripled.
The Cardinals then took a short-lived lead in the fifth-inning - when Encarnacion come through again - with a two-out single - scoring Scott Spiezio from second: St Louis 4 - Houston 3.
Weaver's night would be over after facing two batters in the sixth-inning. The first one - Luke Scott - walked. The second one - Chris Burke - hit a two-run home run - giving Houston a 5-4 lead.
Reliever Josh Hancock struck out all three Houston batters - Bruntlett, Ausmus and Jimerson - to end the top half of the sixth. Two other relievers - Tyler Johnson (one inning pitched) and Braden Looper (two innings pitched) - also contained the Astros offense - allowing the Cardinals the opportunity to pull this one out of the fire.
The fateful bottom of the ninth began with pinch hitter John Rodriguez (batting for Molina) singled off Astros closer Brad Lidge to right field. Again, imagine the consequences if J Rod had failed to reach base safely. Luckily, he got that hit to start the game winning rally. Skip Schumaker then entered the game to pinch run for our unsung hero - then advanced to second when pinch hitter Jose Vizcaino (batting for Looper) laid down a sacrifice bunt.
But Lidge struck out Preston Wilson for the second out of the inning - then, the Cardinals got a break, when the next batter - Scott Spiezio - was hit by a pitch.
With runners on first and second - and the Cardinals down to their last out - Pujols stepped into the batter's box. After getting burned by Albert in last season's NLCS, Lidge had only faced his nemesis two times in '06 prior to this particular at bat. On both occasions, Pujols was retired on fly balls to deep center.
Not this time. Pujols lined a Lidge fastball down the left field line - into the corner. Spiezio got a great jump off first base - and was already rounding third - heading for home - by the time the left fielder had retrieved the ball. A jubilant Skip Schumaker - who scored the tying run - motioned for Spiezio to slide - and he did - with the winning run.
The significance of this win wouldn't be determined until the final week of the season. But this was the kind of thing Pujols did so often, Cardinal fans may have started taking it for granted. The truth of the matter is, without him, those eleven seasons (2001 - 2011) would have been nowhere near as exciting as they turned out to be. And there's no way the Cardinals would have even qualified for postseason play - let alone win the World Series - in '06 or '11.
Albert Pujols' two-out two-run ninth-inning double scored Skip Schumaker from second and Scott Spiezio from first - to lift the Cardinals to a dramatic 6-5 walk-off win over the Houston Astros.
Houston closer Brad Lidge - who gave up that famous game-winning three-run home run to Pujols in Game Five of the 2005 NLCS - was victimized once again by his nemesis. As the rest of the regular season unfolded, this particular game-winning Pujols hit was - quite simply - the difference between postseason play for the Redbirds in 2006 - or going home.
At the time, this win over Houston merely padded the Cardinals' lead to five games over their division rivals - with just eighteen games remaining on the schedule. However, that comfortable five-game lead would dwindle to a half-game - thanks in large part to a four-game sweep at the hands of the Astros - September 21 - 24 (Games 151-154).
Yes, it was unnerving to be a Cardinal fan at that time. But the Cardinals were a resilient team - as we all found out for sure, by the time the postseason rolled around.
Before all that ninth-inning excitement, this game was a see-saw battle throughout - with Houston striking first - on a first-inning solo home run by Mike Lamb off St Louis starter Jeff Weaver.
The Cardinals grabbed the lead in the third-inning - on Preston Wilson's two-out two-run home run off Astros starter Andy Pettitte. When the next batter - Scott Spiezio reached on an error by shortstop Eric Bruntlett, manager Phil Garner abruptly removed his starter - apparently due to some sort of injury. Pettitte had worked just 2.2 innings in this game - and that home run was the only hit he allowed. He walked one (who scored) and struck out two - but now he was suddenly out of the game.
Pettitte wouldn't appear in another game for the Astros until September 21 - when he worked five innings in a start vs the Cardinals - allowing five runs - in a game eventually won by Houston. Whether or not his absence from the Houston starting rotation played a role in the outcome of this crazy division race is just another topic in the "what if" game for 2006.
What we do know is that the Astros took the lead once again in this game - on pinch hitter Orlando Palmeiro's bases loaded two-run single in the fourth-inning: Houston 3 - St Louis 2.
The Cardinals tied it again in their half of the fourth, when the young, light-hitting catcher - Yadier Molina - singled with two out to bring home Edwin Encarnacion - who had previously tripled.
The Cardinals then took a short-lived lead in the fifth-inning - when Encarnacion come through again - with a two-out single - scoring Scott Spiezio from second: St Louis 4 - Houston 3.
Weaver's night would be over after facing two batters in the sixth-inning. The first one - Luke Scott - walked. The second one - Chris Burke - hit a two-run home run - giving Houston a 5-4 lead.
Reliever Josh Hancock struck out all three Houston batters - Bruntlett, Ausmus and Jimerson - to end the top half of the sixth. Two other relievers - Tyler Johnson (one inning pitched) and Braden Looper (two innings pitched) - also contained the Astros offense - allowing the Cardinals the opportunity to pull this one out of the fire.
The fateful bottom of the ninth began with pinch hitter John Rodriguez (batting for Molina) singled off Astros closer Brad Lidge to right field. Again, imagine the consequences if J Rod had failed to reach base safely. Luckily, he got that hit to start the game winning rally. Skip Schumaker then entered the game to pinch run for our unsung hero - then advanced to second when pinch hitter Jose Vizcaino (batting for Looper) laid down a sacrifice bunt.
But Lidge struck out Preston Wilson for the second out of the inning - then, the Cardinals got a break, when the next batter - Scott Spiezio - was hit by a pitch.
With runners on first and second - and the Cardinals down to their last out - Pujols stepped into the batter's box. After getting burned by Albert in last season's NLCS, Lidge had only faced his nemesis two times in '06 prior to this particular at bat. On both occasions, Pujols was retired on fly balls to deep center.
Not this time. Pujols lined a Lidge fastball down the left field line - into the corner. Spiezio got a great jump off first base - and was already rounding third - heading for home - by the time the left fielder had retrieved the ball. A jubilant Skip Schumaker - who scored the tying run - motioned for Spiezio to slide - and he did - with the winning run.
The significance of this win wouldn't be determined until the final week of the season. But this was the kind of thing Pujols did so often, Cardinal fans may have started taking it for granted. The truth of the matter is, without him, those eleven seasons (2001 - 2011) would have been nowhere near as exciting as they turned out to be. And there's no way the Cardinals would have even qualified for postseason play - let alone win the World Series - in '06 or '11.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
September 10, 2011 - Bullpen Nails Down 4-3 Win Over Braves
Saturday, September 10, 2011 - At Busch Stadium III (Jaime Garcia - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Atlanta Braves (Derek Lowe - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 40,689
In the second game of a crucial three-game series with the Braves - the Cardinals jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, then held on for a 4-3 win, thanks to three solid innings of relief from the back-end of a now very formidable bullpen.
Jaime Garcia (12-7) allowed three runs in six innings for the win, which was preserved by one inning of scoreless relief from each of three relievers: Marc Rzepczynski (1 H - 1 SO), Fernando Salas (0 H - 2 SO) and Jason Motte (0 H - 1 BB). Motte, who had unofficially become the Cards' closer - earned his 4th save of 2011.
Atlanta starter Derek Lowe (9-14) gave up an RBI single to Albert Pujols and an RBI double to David Freese in the first-inning - to stake Garcia to a quick 2-0 lead.
Then in the third, back-to-back doubles by Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman - plus an RBI single off the bat of Yadier Molina gave the Redbirds a 4-0 lead. That was just enough tonight.
Freddie Freeman made things interesting with a fourth-inning two-run home run - then Brian McCann made things even more interesting with a fifth-inning RBI single - to make it a 4-3 game - and that's where it stayed.
After Garcia pitched a scoreless sixth-inning, manager Tony LaRussa went to the bullpen to nail this one down - a formula he used to eventually earn the Cardinals a World Series championship.
Certainly, the Cardinals knew they needed to sweep the Braves in this three-game series if they were to have any chance of overtaking Atlanta in the wild card race. They won the first game on Friday night, after a rare blown save by closer Craig Kimbrell kept the Cardinals alive - en route to a ten-inning walk-off win. They would also take the final game on Sunday, to move within 4.5 games of the Braves - with sixteen left to play.
The wildest finish since 1964 was well under way. Nothing would be decided until Game 162 - aka Wild Card Wednesday. You know what happened. Nearly three years later, it's still hard to believe.
In the second game of a crucial three-game series with the Braves - the Cardinals jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, then held on for a 4-3 win, thanks to three solid innings of relief from the back-end of a now very formidable bullpen.
Jaime Garcia (12-7) allowed three runs in six innings for the win, which was preserved by one inning of scoreless relief from each of three relievers: Marc Rzepczynski (1 H - 1 SO), Fernando Salas (0 H - 2 SO) and Jason Motte (0 H - 1 BB). Motte, who had unofficially become the Cards' closer - earned his 4th save of 2011.
Atlanta starter Derek Lowe (9-14) gave up an RBI single to Albert Pujols and an RBI double to David Freese in the first-inning - to stake Garcia to a quick 2-0 lead.
Then in the third, back-to-back doubles by Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman - plus an RBI single off the bat of Yadier Molina gave the Redbirds a 4-0 lead. That was just enough tonight.
Freddie Freeman made things interesting with a fourth-inning two-run home run - then Brian McCann made things even more interesting with a fifth-inning RBI single - to make it a 4-3 game - and that's where it stayed.
After Garcia pitched a scoreless sixth-inning, manager Tony LaRussa went to the bullpen to nail this one down - a formula he used to eventually earn the Cardinals a World Series championship.
Certainly, the Cardinals knew they needed to sweep the Braves in this three-game series if they were to have any chance of overtaking Atlanta in the wild card race. They won the first game on Friday night, after a rare blown save by closer Craig Kimbrell kept the Cardinals alive - en route to a ten-inning walk-off win. They would also take the final game on Sunday, to move within 4.5 games of the Braves - with sixteen left to play.
The wildest finish since 1964 was well under way. Nothing would be decided until Game 162 - aka Wild Card Wednesday. You know what happened. Nearly three years later, it's still hard to believe.
Monday, August 25, 2014
August 26, 2011 - Molina, Berkman Power Cards to 5-4 Win Over Pirates
Friday, August 26, 2011 - At Busch Stadium III (Jake Westbrook - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Pittsburgh Pirates (James McDonald - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 40,480
After being swept at home in a three-game series with the Dodgers, manager Tony LaRussa held a brief team meeting with his players prior to the four-game series with the Pirates. In essence, the message imparted by TLR was simply: Don't quit.
After winning the first game on Thursday, the Cardinals had to perform some come-from-behind magic to take the second game from Pittsburgh - and they did, thanks to home runs by Yadier Molina and Lance Berkman.
Berkman's thirtieth home run of the season - a two-run eighth-inning blast - lifted the Cardinals to a 5-4 win - but it was Molina's three-run homer earlier in the game which made the game winner possible.
Things didn't start out well for St Louis starter - Jake Westbrook. One walk, three hits and a sacrifice fly quickly put the Cardinals in a 3-0 hole after the first-inning.
The Redbirds evened the score in the third-inning. Matt Holliday led off with a base on balls. One out later, David Freese singled. With two on and one out, Yadier Molina blasted a James McDonald letter-high fastball into the left field seats to suddenly make it a 3-3 game - while giving a lucky fan a souvenir.
The Pirates quickly regained the lead in the fourth-inning. Jose Tabatha's two-out double scored Ronnie Cedeno from second - but that would be the last run Pittsburgh would score.
Westbrook's night was over after six innings. He had yielded seven hits and walked five - but limited the damage to four runs. The final three innings of flawless relief - Arthur Rhodes' perfect seventh - followed by Kyle McClellan's (10-6) two perfect innings - allowed Berkman's home run into the Cardinals' bullpen off Pirates reliever Jose Veras (2-4) to have significance. Looking back on the 2011 season, the home run meant the difference between a trip to the postseason and going home after Game 162.
After winning Game 132 - the Cardinals (69-63) were 9.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers (79-54) - who also won tonight. Strangely enough, they were also 9.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves - who lost tonight.
The Cardinals would take three of four from the Pirates before sweeping a three-game series in Milwaukee. Clearly, they weren't quitting.
After being swept at home in a three-game series with the Dodgers, manager Tony LaRussa held a brief team meeting with his players prior to the four-game series with the Pirates. In essence, the message imparted by TLR was simply: Don't quit.
After winning the first game on Thursday, the Cardinals had to perform some come-from-behind magic to take the second game from Pittsburgh - and they did, thanks to home runs by Yadier Molina and Lance Berkman.
Berkman's thirtieth home run of the season - a two-run eighth-inning blast - lifted the Cardinals to a 5-4 win - but it was Molina's three-run homer earlier in the game which made the game winner possible.
Things didn't start out well for St Louis starter - Jake Westbrook. One walk, three hits and a sacrifice fly quickly put the Cardinals in a 3-0 hole after the first-inning.
The Redbirds evened the score in the third-inning. Matt Holliday led off with a base on balls. One out later, David Freese singled. With two on and one out, Yadier Molina blasted a James McDonald letter-high fastball into the left field seats to suddenly make it a 3-3 game - while giving a lucky fan a souvenir.
The Pirates quickly regained the lead in the fourth-inning. Jose Tabatha's two-out double scored Ronnie Cedeno from second - but that would be the last run Pittsburgh would score.
Westbrook's night was over after six innings. He had yielded seven hits and walked five - but limited the damage to four runs. The final three innings of flawless relief - Arthur Rhodes' perfect seventh - followed by Kyle McClellan's (10-6) two perfect innings - allowed Berkman's home run into the Cardinals' bullpen off Pirates reliever Jose Veras (2-4) to have significance. Looking back on the 2011 season, the home run meant the difference between a trip to the postseason and going home after Game 162.
After winning Game 132 - the Cardinals (69-63) were 9.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers (79-54) - who also won tonight. Strangely enough, they were also 9.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves - who lost tonight.
The Cardinals would take three of four from the Pirates before sweeping a three-game series in Milwaukee. Clearly, they weren't quitting.
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.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
August 3, 2012 - Molina Runs Wild in 9-3 Bashing of Brewers
Friday, August 3, 2012 - At Busch Stadium III (Joe Kelly - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Milwaukee Brewers (Randy Wolf - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 41,505
Trailing 3-0 in the fourth-inning, the Cardinals went on to score nine unanswered runs to give rookie Joe Kelly - who survived a shaky three-run second-inning - his second career win. Kelly allowed ten hits and a pair of walks in 5.2 innings - then the Cardinal bullpen - Browning, Mujica, Boggs and Rzepczynski - took care of the final 3.1 innings - keeping Milwaukee scoreless on two hits.
Kelly, who was in and out of trouble throughout his outing - seemed on the verge of escaping a bases loaded two-out second-inning jam - but his mound opponent - Randy Wolf - nixed that thought with a two-run single to give himself an early lead - which was extended when lead-off hitter Norichika Aoki followed up with an RBI single of his own.
But the Cardinals' bats came alive in the fourth-inning. Allen Craig led-off with a single to center, then one out later, moved to third on a Carlos Beltran double. David Freese then scored both runners with a single to center, then one out later, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then scored on Daniel Descalso's double to left field. With first base open, Wolf pitched around Shane Robinson - walking him - with the hope of getting the third out by retiring Joe Kelly.
Kelly had other ideas - giving Wolf a dose of his own medicine - with a run-scoring single to break the tie.
The rest of the game was a showcase of Yadier Molina's talent. After leading off the sixth-inning with a base hit to right field, Descalso moved Yadi up to second with a sacrifice bunt. At this point, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke replaced Wolf with reliever Jim Henderson. With Shane Robinson batting, Molina surprised everybody by stealing third - and when catcher Martin Maldonado's throw sailed into left field, a grinning Yadi trotted home with the fifth run of the game for St Louis. Rattled, Henderson then served up a fat pitch to Robinson, who promptly singled to right. Then pinch hitter Skip Schumaker grounded out as Robinson advanced to second; whereupon Rafael Furcal scored Shane with another base hit to right.
Yadi was at it again in the eighth-inning. This time, he led-off with a single to center off John Axford. With Descalso batting, Molina casually broke for second as a befuddled Maldonado made another errant throw - allowing Molina to ramble into third. Was this game really happening in 2012 - or a quarter of a century earlier - in 1987? This was the kind of havoc that Vince Coleman used to create! Descalso then singled Yadi in from third, as the red-faced Brewers were looking dazed and confused.
With Robinson now batting, Descalso broke for second, as Shane grounded one back to Axford, who tried to turn two - but by the time his throw reached the second baseman's glove, Descalso had already slid safely into second - however, the relay throw to first retired the batter. Pinch hitter Matt Carpenter then walked - as did Furcal - to load the bases.
At this point, Axford was relieved of his duties, as the fifth and final pitcher for the Brewers - Mike McClendon - entered the game. Allen Craig then bounced one right back to McClendon, who got the force out at home - but catcher Maldonado committed his third throwing error of the game (he only had six errors all season) attempting to retire Craig at first. As the ball sailed into right field, Carpenter scored, as Furcal advanced to third and Craig to second. Holliday's infield single down the third base line scored Furcal, to mercifully end the scoring.
The Cardinals had scored nine runs in this game - so effortlessly. Their patient offensive approach served them well in this game - and for the 2012 season, for that matter. It took them to the World Series the following season.
In 2014, the offense has sputtered, but they're still a competitive team with postseason aspirations. Maybe they can regain the approach that served them so well since 2011. Anything can happen in two months. Plenty of time to turn it around.
Trailing 3-0 in the fourth-inning, the Cardinals went on to score nine unanswered runs to give rookie Joe Kelly - who survived a shaky three-run second-inning - his second career win. Kelly allowed ten hits and a pair of walks in 5.2 innings - then the Cardinal bullpen - Browning, Mujica, Boggs and Rzepczynski - took care of the final 3.1 innings - keeping Milwaukee scoreless on two hits.
Kelly, who was in and out of trouble throughout his outing - seemed on the verge of escaping a bases loaded two-out second-inning jam - but his mound opponent - Randy Wolf - nixed that thought with a two-run single to give himself an early lead - which was extended when lead-off hitter Norichika Aoki followed up with an RBI single of his own.
But the Cardinals' bats came alive in the fourth-inning. Allen Craig led-off with a single to center, then one out later, moved to third on a Carlos Beltran double. David Freese then scored both runners with a single to center, then one out later, advanced to second on a wild pitch, then scored on Daniel Descalso's double to left field. With first base open, Wolf pitched around Shane Robinson - walking him - with the hope of getting the third out by retiring Joe Kelly.
Kelly had other ideas - giving Wolf a dose of his own medicine - with a run-scoring single to break the tie.
The rest of the game was a showcase of Yadier Molina's talent. After leading off the sixth-inning with a base hit to right field, Descalso moved Yadi up to second with a sacrifice bunt. At this point, Brewers manager Ron Roenicke replaced Wolf with reliever Jim Henderson. With Shane Robinson batting, Molina surprised everybody by stealing third - and when catcher Martin Maldonado's throw sailed into left field, a grinning Yadi trotted home with the fifth run of the game for St Louis. Rattled, Henderson then served up a fat pitch to Robinson, who promptly singled to right. Then pinch hitter Skip Schumaker grounded out as Robinson advanced to second; whereupon Rafael Furcal scored Shane with another base hit to right.
Yadi was at it again in the eighth-inning. This time, he led-off with a single to center off John Axford. With Descalso batting, Molina casually broke for second as a befuddled Maldonado made another errant throw - allowing Molina to ramble into third. Was this game really happening in 2012 - or a quarter of a century earlier - in 1987? This was the kind of havoc that Vince Coleman used to create! Descalso then singled Yadi in from third, as the red-faced Brewers were looking dazed and confused.
With Robinson now batting, Descalso broke for second, as Shane grounded one back to Axford, who tried to turn two - but by the time his throw reached the second baseman's glove, Descalso had already slid safely into second - however, the relay throw to first retired the batter. Pinch hitter Matt Carpenter then walked - as did Furcal - to load the bases.
At this point, Axford was relieved of his duties, as the fifth and final pitcher for the Brewers - Mike McClendon - entered the game. Allen Craig then bounced one right back to McClendon, who got the force out at home - but catcher Maldonado committed his third throwing error of the game (he only had six errors all season) attempting to retire Craig at first. As the ball sailed into right field, Carpenter scored, as Furcal advanced to third and Craig to second. Holliday's infield single down the third base line scored Furcal, to mercifully end the scoring.
The Cardinals had scored nine runs in this game - so effortlessly. Their patient offensive approach served them well in this game - and for the 2012 season, for that matter. It took them to the World Series the following season.
In 2014, the offense has sputtered, but they're still a competitive team with postseason aspirations. Maybe they can regain the approach that served them so well since 2011. Anything can happen in two months. Plenty of time to turn it around.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
July 27, 2012 - Homer-Happy Cards Make History in Win Over Cubs
Friday, July 27, 2012 - At Wrigley Field (Lance Lynn - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Chicago Cubs (Travis Wood - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 40,778
Just six days after scoring twelve runs in a single inning - equaling a franchise record - the Cardinals were at it again - making history against Chicago Cubs pitching. This time, it was an obscure home run record that was established - in a see-saw battle that was eventually won by the Cardinals - 9-6.
It all started with two outs in the top of the first - when Matt Holliday homered deep to left center field (his 18th) off Cubs starter Travis Wood - to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.
Cardinal starter Lance Lynn is used to getting a lot of run support in his outings - and after giving up a lead-off triple to David DeJesus, a run-scoring single to Starlin Castro, and then a two-run home run to Anthony Rizzo - it was apparent the Redbirds would have to step up the offensive production if they expected to win this one.
With the Cardinals now trailing 3-1, Lance Berkman led-off the second-inning with a single, which was immediately followed by a game-tying Yadier Molina home run (his 16th) - which landed on Waveland Avenue. The Redbirds weren't through. Matt Carpenter drew a base on balls, then scored on Daniel Descalso's triple. Next up - Lance Lynn - knew a 4-3 lead was not going to hold up today - so he helped himself out with a sacrifice fly to give the Cardinals a precarious 5-3 lead.
After the Cubs failed to score in the bottom of the second, Berkman got into the act with a two-out home run (his 2nd) in the third-inning, to build the lead to 6-3. For Lance, in an injury-plagued final season as a member of the Cardinals - this would prove to be his last home run wearing a St Louis uniform. The previous year, a healthy Berkman hit 31 home runs - and became an immediate fan-favorite in Cardinal Nation.
Meanwhile, the Cubs quickly tied the game in the bottom of the third - after a lead-off triple by Castro, an RBI single by Rizzo, an RBI double by Alfonso Soriano and an RBI single by Geovany Soto.
Matt Carpenter untied it, leading off the fourth-inning with another St Louis home run (his 4th - and the fourth in as many innings for the Cardinals). This one almost - but not quite - made it onto Sheffield Avenue - landing high off the back wall in right field.
After Lynn kept the Cubs scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, Allen Craig made St Louis Cardinals history by hitting the fifth home run in as many innings - another solo shot, which landed in the fourth row of the left field bleachers - to give the Cardinals an 8-6 lead. It was the first time in franchise history the team had ever homered in five consecutive innings. Now, the all-time franchise record for home runs in a single game (7) seemed feasible (last accomplished on July 12, 1996 - against the Cubs - who else?).
Alas, the Redbirds had no more home runs in their bag of tricks today. However, center fielder Jon Jay had a circus catch in his bag of tricks today - robbing Rizzo of extra bases with an absolutely ridiculous leaping grab of his fifth-inning smash to center field - to protect that slim two-run lead.
After getting through the fifth, unscathed, manager Mike Matheny gave his starter the rest of the day off. Five St Louis relievers - Fuentes, Browning, Salas, Rzepczynski and Motte (who got his 23rd save) - kept Chicago off the board over the final four innings - giving Lynn his rather fortuitous 13th win - with only 4 losses.
The Redbirds scored a final insurance run in the seventh - when Jay was hit by a pitch, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher, then scored on Holliday's single to center.
Coincidentally, the Cardinals won yesterday's game (from 2004) by that same 9-6 score - although it took 11 innings to score that many runs, and they only hit three home runs. Weaklings.
Just six days after scoring twelve runs in a single inning - equaling a franchise record - the Cardinals were at it again - making history against Chicago Cubs pitching. This time, it was an obscure home run record that was established - in a see-saw battle that was eventually won by the Cardinals - 9-6.
It all started with two outs in the top of the first - when Matt Holliday homered deep to left center field (his 18th) off Cubs starter Travis Wood - to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.
Cardinal starter Lance Lynn is used to getting a lot of run support in his outings - and after giving up a lead-off triple to David DeJesus, a run-scoring single to Starlin Castro, and then a two-run home run to Anthony Rizzo - it was apparent the Redbirds would have to step up the offensive production if they expected to win this one.
With the Cardinals now trailing 3-1, Lance Berkman led-off the second-inning with a single, which was immediately followed by a game-tying Yadier Molina home run (his 16th) - which landed on Waveland Avenue. The Redbirds weren't through. Matt Carpenter drew a base on balls, then scored on Daniel Descalso's triple. Next up - Lance Lynn - knew a 4-3 lead was not going to hold up today - so he helped himself out with a sacrifice fly to give the Cardinals a precarious 5-3 lead.
After the Cubs failed to score in the bottom of the second, Berkman got into the act with a two-out home run (his 2nd) in the third-inning, to build the lead to 6-3. For Lance, in an injury-plagued final season as a member of the Cardinals - this would prove to be his last home run wearing a St Louis uniform. The previous year, a healthy Berkman hit 31 home runs - and became an immediate fan-favorite in Cardinal Nation.
Meanwhile, the Cubs quickly tied the game in the bottom of the third - after a lead-off triple by Castro, an RBI single by Rizzo, an RBI double by Alfonso Soriano and an RBI single by Geovany Soto.
Matt Carpenter untied it, leading off the fourth-inning with another St Louis home run (his 4th - and the fourth in as many innings for the Cardinals). This one almost - but not quite - made it onto Sheffield Avenue - landing high off the back wall in right field.
After Lynn kept the Cubs scoreless in the bottom of the fourth, Allen Craig made St Louis Cardinals history by hitting the fifth home run in as many innings - another solo shot, which landed in the fourth row of the left field bleachers - to give the Cardinals an 8-6 lead. It was the first time in franchise history the team had ever homered in five consecutive innings. Now, the all-time franchise record for home runs in a single game (7) seemed feasible (last accomplished on July 12, 1996 - against the Cubs - who else?).
Alas, the Redbirds had no more home runs in their bag of tricks today. However, center fielder Jon Jay had a circus catch in his bag of tricks today - robbing Rizzo of extra bases with an absolutely ridiculous leaping grab of his fifth-inning smash to center field - to protect that slim two-run lead.
After getting through the fifth, unscathed, manager Mike Matheny gave his starter the rest of the day off. Five St Louis relievers - Fuentes, Browning, Salas, Rzepczynski and Motte (who got his 23rd save) - kept Chicago off the board over the final four innings - giving Lynn his rather fortuitous 13th win - with only 4 losses.
The Redbirds scored a final insurance run in the seventh - when Jay was hit by a pitch, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error by the catcher, then scored on Holliday's single to center.
Coincidentally, the Cardinals won yesterday's game (from 2004) by that same 9-6 score - although it took 11 innings to score that many runs, and they only hit three home runs. Weaklings.
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
July 22, 2011 - Pujols, Freese & Molina Go Deep in 6-4 Win Over Pirates
Friday, July 22, 2011 - At PNC Park (Chris Carpenter - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Pittsburgh Pirates (Paul Maholm - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 38,490
The Cardinals staked Chris Carpenter to a 4-0 first-inning lead - on a pair of two-run home runs - then Carpenter later helped his own cause with a run-scoring single - as St Louis held on for the win, to move into a virtual tie with Pittsburgh for second-place in the NL Central - one game behind first-place Milwaukee.
Jon Jay started the first-inning rally against Pirates starter Paul Maholm with a one-out triple to right field, bringing Albert Pujols to the plate - in his favorite ballpark to hit. As if on cue, Pujols launched one to deep right-center field - three rows deep - to put the Redbirds quickly on top, 2-0.
One out later, after Lance Berkman doubled down the left field line, David Freese belted an opposite-field home run deep to right field to give the Cardinals a four run advantage right off the bat.
The Pirates cut that deficit in half in the second-inning. With two out, Garrett Jones doubled, followed by a run-scoring single from Ronnie Cedeno, a scratch infield single from Michael McHenry, then an RBI single from Maholm - trying to help his own cause.
Carpenter returned the favor in the third-inning - lining a two-out base hit to right-center field, to score Yadier Molina, who had doubled.
Pittsburgh scored two more runs in the sixth-inning - but questionable base-running took them out of a potentially big-inning, when they collected five hits off a tiring Carpenter.
With one out, and runners on second and third, Garrett Jones brought both home with a bloop single near the line in left field - but was nailed by a strong throw from Matt Holliday when he tried to stretch it into a double. That play loomed large when the next two batters - Cedeno and McHenry - also singled; however, the inning ended when pinch hitter Xavier Paul grounded out to Pujols at first base - unassisted.
Then Yadi gave the Cardinals a bit more breathing room with a two-out solo home run in the eighth-inning - giving the Cardinals a 6-4 lead - and that's where it finished, after Fernando Salas worked a scoreless ninth-inning for his 18th save of the season.
Carpenter, who had gotten off to a slow start, improved to 6-7. By the time the regular season ended, it's safe to say he had his "A" game going.
The Cardinals staked Chris Carpenter to a 4-0 first-inning lead - on a pair of two-run home runs - then Carpenter later helped his own cause with a run-scoring single - as St Louis held on for the win, to move into a virtual tie with Pittsburgh for second-place in the NL Central - one game behind first-place Milwaukee.
Jon Jay started the first-inning rally against Pirates starter Paul Maholm with a one-out triple to right field, bringing Albert Pujols to the plate - in his favorite ballpark to hit. As if on cue, Pujols launched one to deep right-center field - three rows deep - to put the Redbirds quickly on top, 2-0.
One out later, after Lance Berkman doubled down the left field line, David Freese belted an opposite-field home run deep to right field to give the Cardinals a four run advantage right off the bat.
The Pirates cut that deficit in half in the second-inning. With two out, Garrett Jones doubled, followed by a run-scoring single from Ronnie Cedeno, a scratch infield single from Michael McHenry, then an RBI single from Maholm - trying to help his own cause.
Carpenter returned the favor in the third-inning - lining a two-out base hit to right-center field, to score Yadier Molina, who had doubled.
Pittsburgh scored two more runs in the sixth-inning - but questionable base-running took them out of a potentially big-inning, when they collected five hits off a tiring Carpenter.
With one out, and runners on second and third, Garrett Jones brought both home with a bloop single near the line in left field - but was nailed by a strong throw from Matt Holliday when he tried to stretch it into a double. That play loomed large when the next two batters - Cedeno and McHenry - also singled; however, the inning ended when pinch hitter Xavier Paul grounded out to Pujols at first base - unassisted.
Then Yadi gave the Cardinals a bit more breathing room with a two-out solo home run in the eighth-inning - giving the Cardinals a 6-4 lead - and that's where it finished, after Fernando Salas worked a scoreless ninth-inning for his 18th save of the season.
Carpenter, who had gotten off to a slow start, improved to 6-7. By the time the regular season ended, it's safe to say he had his "A" game going.
Friday, July 18, 2014
July 18, 2010 - How Sweep It Is! Come-From Behind Walk-Off Winner Over Dodgers
Sunday, July 18, 2010 - At Busch Stadium III (Jeff Suppan - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers (Vincente Padilla - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 40,743
After being swept by the Dodgers in three straight NLDS games in the 2009 postseason, the Cardinals were hoping to get some measure of revenge in 2010. They didn't get it in LA, that's for sure - getting swept in a three-game series (June 7 - 9) when everything seemed to go wrong for the Redbirds. The frustration from '09, combined with that early June sweep had the Cardinals chomping at the bit by the time LA arrived in St Louis right after the All Star break - for a crucial four-game series. After taking the first three games over LA - when everything seemed to go wrong for the Dodgers this time around - the Cardinals tried to make it a four-game sweep - on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for baseball.
The Dodgers had other ideas. Leading-off the fifth-inning for LA in a scoreless ballgame, Ronnie Belliard singled to left off Cards' starter Jeff Suppan - but was erased on a force out grounder by Xavier Paul - who was now the runner on first base with one out. Next up - A.J. Ellis - singled to left, advancing Paul - who was running on the pitch - all the way to third. Then the pitcher, Vincente Padilla helped his own cause with a double down the left field line to score Paul, as Ellis stopped at third.
This had the makings of a big inning, but Suppan was able to wriggle out of further trouble when he got Rafael Furcal on a short fly to right field, then retired Jamey Carroll on a ground out to the second baseman.
Suppan would work another scoreless inning, before giving way to an erratic Mitchell Boggs to start the seventh-inning. The Dodgers still led by that same 1-0 score, as the Cardinals could only muster one hit in Padilla's six innings of work - although he walked five - but none of the free passes cost him.
It was Belliard again causing trouble for the Cardinals, with a lead-off seventh-inning single to left. After Paul was retired on a fly ball to center, Ellis hit a slow roller to third baseman Felipe Lopez, who rushed his throw to second, trying to start a double play - instead, the throw sailed into right field for a very costly error.
With runners on first and second, Garret Anderson pinch hit for Padilla - delivering a run-scoring double to give LA a 2-0 advantage. With first base open, Furcal was intentionally walked - loading the bases. Then, with Carroll batting, Boggs uncorked a wild pitch - scoring Ellis with the third Dodger run. Somehow, Carroll struck out - but that would be the last batter Boggs would retire in this game. After an intentional walk to Andre Ethier loaded the bases once again, Boggs accidentally walked Matt Kemp to force in the fourth Dodger run.
That was enough for manager Tony LaRussa - relieving his rattled reliever of his duties for the afternoon - bringing in Dennys Reyes to face Blake DeWitt - who grounded one to Lopez at third, who got the force out at second this time. The inning was finally over - and the Cardinals' chances of winning this game seemed "over" as well - especially after they failed to capitalize on a seventh-inning lead-off double by Randy Winn, off the new Dodger pitcher - Travis Schlichting - who retired the next three batters to keep the Cards scoreless and frustrated, heading into the eighth-inning.
After a St Louis reliever by the name of Evan Maclane kept it a 4-0 deficit with one inning of scoreless work (the only complete big league inning he'd ever pitch) - the Redbirds started working on getting back into this game in their half of the eighth, with Schlichting still on the mound for LA. Brendan Ryan coaxed a lead-off walk - but Lopez, trying to atone for his error that handed the Dodgers two unearned runs in the seventh - tried too hard - flying out to left for the first out of the inning. After Jon Jay drew the second free pass off Travis, Justin Miller came in from the bullpen to pitch to the young rookie - Allen Craig - who was playing first base today, as Pujols was given a rare day off - at least as a starter.
Craig was off to a horrendous start to his major league career, but this game was the turning point for him. With one swing of the bat, the four run deficit was cut in half, as Craig scored both Ryan and Jay with a double down the left field line. Manager Joe Torre sensed this one getting away from him, and quickly brought in the veteran Jonathan Broxton to pitch to Matt Holliday - who flew out to right field for the second out of the inning. However, Randy Winn - whose lead-off double the inning before was wasted, promptly brought Craig home with a single to right field - making it a 4-3 game now. There was more drama in this inning, but no more scoring. After Skip Schumaker walked, LaRussa sent Albert Pujols in as a pinch hitter for catcher Jason LaRue - but he grounded out to short to end the inning. However, the Redbirds were back in it - and LaRue's defensive replacement behind the plate would ignite the game winning rally in the ninth-inning.
After Ryan Franklin pitched a scoreless ninth-inning for St Louis, all he had to do was sit back and enjoy the final stage of the Cardinal comeback. Yadier Molina - just in the game - led-off the bottom of the ninth with a single to right field. After Ryan bunted him down to second, Lopez again tried to atone for his two-run error by hitting a walk-off two-run home run. He almost did it, but his fly ball deep to left field was hauled in at the warning track, for the second out in the inning.
Jay drew another base on balls, putting runners on first and second - for a relaxed and confident Allen Craig - enjoying the best day of his brief major league career. Allen lined a single to center, scoring Molina with the tying run. With the winning run now on second base, Matt Holliday - who had been having a tough day to this point - promptly ended it with a base hit to right. As Jay streaked home with the game-winning run, the Redbirds had completed the four-game sweep - and were still in first place (51-41) in the NL Central - a half game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they would finish the season with a dismal 35-35 record, to finish five games behind the Reds. Inexplicably, their season record against five sub-.500 teams (Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Marlins and Royals) was 21-32. Their worst offense was losing ten out of fifteen games against the hapless Houston Astros. This would shape up to be one of the most frustrating seasons in recent memory - when the Cardinals seemed to have plenty of talent to go deep into the postseason - but they never got there.
As 2010 ended in disappointment for Cardinal fans, 2011 would be quite a different story, altogether. "2011 would be quite a different story!" (If you get it, you know this is a gag from the movie, Airplane!) If you don't get it, and find it offensive, please head over to your favorite social media site to voice your concerns, pipe shot.
Thanks, Management
After being swept by the Dodgers in three straight NLDS games in the 2009 postseason, the Cardinals were hoping to get some measure of revenge in 2010. They didn't get it in LA, that's for sure - getting swept in a three-game series (June 7 - 9) when everything seemed to go wrong for the Redbirds. The frustration from '09, combined with that early June sweep had the Cardinals chomping at the bit by the time LA arrived in St Louis right after the All Star break - for a crucial four-game series. After taking the first three games over LA - when everything seemed to go wrong for the Dodgers this time around - the Cardinals tried to make it a four-game sweep - on a beautiful Sunday afternoon for baseball.
The Dodgers had other ideas. Leading-off the fifth-inning for LA in a scoreless ballgame, Ronnie Belliard singled to left off Cards' starter Jeff Suppan - but was erased on a force out grounder by Xavier Paul - who was now the runner on first base with one out. Next up - A.J. Ellis - singled to left, advancing Paul - who was running on the pitch - all the way to third. Then the pitcher, Vincente Padilla helped his own cause with a double down the left field line to score Paul, as Ellis stopped at third.
This had the makings of a big inning, but Suppan was able to wriggle out of further trouble when he got Rafael Furcal on a short fly to right field, then retired Jamey Carroll on a ground out to the second baseman.
Suppan would work another scoreless inning, before giving way to an erratic Mitchell Boggs to start the seventh-inning. The Dodgers still led by that same 1-0 score, as the Cardinals could only muster one hit in Padilla's six innings of work - although he walked five - but none of the free passes cost him.
It was Belliard again causing trouble for the Cardinals, with a lead-off seventh-inning single to left. After Paul was retired on a fly ball to center, Ellis hit a slow roller to third baseman Felipe Lopez, who rushed his throw to second, trying to start a double play - instead, the throw sailed into right field for a very costly error.
With runners on first and second, Garret Anderson pinch hit for Padilla - delivering a run-scoring double to give LA a 2-0 advantage. With first base open, Furcal was intentionally walked - loading the bases. Then, with Carroll batting, Boggs uncorked a wild pitch - scoring Ellis with the third Dodger run. Somehow, Carroll struck out - but that would be the last batter Boggs would retire in this game. After an intentional walk to Andre Ethier loaded the bases once again, Boggs accidentally walked Matt Kemp to force in the fourth Dodger run.
That was enough for manager Tony LaRussa - relieving his rattled reliever of his duties for the afternoon - bringing in Dennys Reyes to face Blake DeWitt - who grounded one to Lopez at third, who got the force out at second this time. The inning was finally over - and the Cardinals' chances of winning this game seemed "over" as well - especially after they failed to capitalize on a seventh-inning lead-off double by Randy Winn, off the new Dodger pitcher - Travis Schlichting - who retired the next three batters to keep the Cards scoreless and frustrated, heading into the eighth-inning.
After a St Louis reliever by the name of Evan Maclane kept it a 4-0 deficit with one inning of scoreless work (the only complete big league inning he'd ever pitch) - the Redbirds started working on getting back into this game in their half of the eighth, with Schlichting still on the mound for LA. Brendan Ryan coaxed a lead-off walk - but Lopez, trying to atone for his error that handed the Dodgers two unearned runs in the seventh - tried too hard - flying out to left for the first out of the inning. After Jon Jay drew the second free pass off Travis, Justin Miller came in from the bullpen to pitch to the young rookie - Allen Craig - who was playing first base today, as Pujols was given a rare day off - at least as a starter.
Craig was off to a horrendous start to his major league career, but this game was the turning point for him. With one swing of the bat, the four run deficit was cut in half, as Craig scored both Ryan and Jay with a double down the left field line. Manager Joe Torre sensed this one getting away from him, and quickly brought in the veteran Jonathan Broxton to pitch to Matt Holliday - who flew out to right field for the second out of the inning. However, Randy Winn - whose lead-off double the inning before was wasted, promptly brought Craig home with a single to right field - making it a 4-3 game now. There was more drama in this inning, but no more scoring. After Skip Schumaker walked, LaRussa sent Albert Pujols in as a pinch hitter for catcher Jason LaRue - but he grounded out to short to end the inning. However, the Redbirds were back in it - and LaRue's defensive replacement behind the plate would ignite the game winning rally in the ninth-inning.
After Ryan Franklin pitched a scoreless ninth-inning for St Louis, all he had to do was sit back and enjoy the final stage of the Cardinal comeback. Yadier Molina - just in the game - led-off the bottom of the ninth with a single to right field. After Ryan bunted him down to second, Lopez again tried to atone for his two-run error by hitting a walk-off two-run home run. He almost did it, but his fly ball deep to left field was hauled in at the warning track, for the second out in the inning.
Jay drew another base on balls, putting runners on first and second - for a relaxed and confident Allen Craig - enjoying the best day of his brief major league career. Allen lined a single to center, scoring Molina with the tying run. With the winning run now on second base, Matt Holliday - who had been having a tough day to this point - promptly ended it with a base hit to right. As Jay streaked home with the game-winning run, the Redbirds had completed the four-game sweep - and were still in first place (51-41) in the NL Central - a half game ahead of the Cincinnati Reds.
Unfortunately for the Cardinals, they would finish the season with a dismal 35-35 record, to finish five games behind the Reds. Inexplicably, their season record against five sub-.500 teams (Cubs, Astros, Brewers, Marlins and Royals) was 21-32. Their worst offense was losing ten out of fifteen games against the hapless Houston Astros. This would shape up to be one of the most frustrating seasons in recent memory - when the Cardinals seemed to have plenty of talent to go deep into the postseason - but they never got there.
As 2010 ended in disappointment for Cardinal fans, 2011 would be quite a different story, altogether. "2011 would be quite a different story!" (If you get it, you know this is a gag from the movie, Airplane!) If you don't get it, and find it offensive, please head over to your favorite social media site to voice your concerns, pipe shot.
Thanks, Management
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
JULY 1 - Westbrook's Favorite Day to Pitch (2011 & 2002)
Friday, July 1, 2011 - At Tropicana Field (Randy Westbrook - Starting Pitcher) - Opposition: Tampa Bay Rays (Wade Davis - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 19,934
Jake Westbrook (7-4) was brilliant for seven innings - shutting out the Rays on two hits and three walks, while striking out seven. Lance Lynn was not-so-brilliant for one inning - three runs on three hits (including a two-run home run). Fortunately, he was also able to get three outs, as the Cardinals hung on for a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay - as Fernando Salas pitched a perfect ninth-inning to record his 14th save.
Wade Davis only allowed two runs in his seven innings of work - but the eighth-inning was a bad one (actually 0.2 IP) for Rays reliever J.P. Howell, who walked two and gave up just one hit - but it was a three-run home run to Colby Rasmus - which at the time, gave the Cardinals a comfortable 5-0 lead.
The inning began innocently enough for Howell - retiring the first two batters - but then a walk to Lance Berkman started all the trouble. With David Freese batting, Howell was called for a balk - then the distracted pitcher walked Freese - then completely self-destructed by serving up a long home run to Rasmus - down the right field line.
Much earlier in this game - in the second-inning - a Berkman double, a Freese single, a Rasmus RBI ground out and a Yadier Molina RBI single gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead - until all hell broke loose in the eighth - as the lead was cut to two again.
In another three months, both the Cardinals and Rays would qualify for postseason play on the day forever known as Wild Card Wednesday - Game 162. St Louis had it easy on that last day - an 8-0 win over the Astros - Tampa, on the other hand didn't have it so easy; but they did manage to overcome a 7-0 deficit to the Yankees in thrilling fashion.
Looking back on this game, that 5-0 lead wasn't so comfortable after all.
Sunday, July 1, 2012 - At Busch Stadium III (Randy Westbrook - Starting Pitcher) - Opposition: Pittsburgh Pirates (Erik Bedard - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 37,821
This time, Jake Westbrook was far from brilliant in his six innings pitched against the up-and-coming Pittsburgh Pirates - who scored four runs on nine hits (including a two-run home run) and a walk. On the bright side, Jake did manage to strike out six - and this time, the bullpen - Rzepczynski, Boggs and Motte (for the save - his 17th) gave him all the relief needed to secure the win.
Pirates starter Erik Bedard was even less effective - lasting only 4.2 innings - getting touched for five runs on eight hits (including a pair of home runs) and a couple of walks. The Pirates' bullpen did a stellar job also, but the game had already been decided - for all intents and purposes - by the end of the fifth-inning.
St Louis jumped out to a 3-0 lead after three-innings - thanks to a Yadier Molina second-inning solo home run and an Allen Craig two-run third inning blast.
But then the Pirates grabbed the lead after plating four runs in the fourth-inning - highlighted by a Clint Barmes two-run double, immediately followed by a Michael McHenry two-run home run.
But the Cardinals rallied for Jake with two runs in the fifth to take a lead they would not relinquish. It all began with Bedard plunking Matt Carpenter with a pitch - then Matt Holliday getting revenge on the ball by smashing it down the left field line for a run-scoring double. The next batter - Craig - hit one high and far to left-center field, but it stayed in the park; however, Holliday was able to tag up and advance to third with the potential go-ahead run. But Freese seemed to put the rally in the deep freeze when he struck out on a high fastball.
Molina was then walked intentionally, as Pittsburgh elected to pitch to Shane Robinson in that situation. The strategy backfired on manager Clint Hurdle when Shane lined a single to center to score Holliday with what proved to be the winning run.
It wasn't pretty, but Westbrook now joined a list of Cardinal pitchers who had won on the same day in back-to-back seasons. And I have no idea how extensive that list might be - for now.
Jake Westbrook (7-4) was brilliant for seven innings - shutting out the Rays on two hits and three walks, while striking out seven. Lance Lynn was not-so-brilliant for one inning - three runs on three hits (including a two-run home run). Fortunately, he was also able to get three outs, as the Cardinals hung on for a 5-3 win over Tampa Bay - as Fernando Salas pitched a perfect ninth-inning to record his 14th save.
Wade Davis only allowed two runs in his seven innings of work - but the eighth-inning was a bad one (actually 0.2 IP) for Rays reliever J.P. Howell, who walked two and gave up just one hit - but it was a three-run home run to Colby Rasmus - which at the time, gave the Cardinals a comfortable 5-0 lead.
The inning began innocently enough for Howell - retiring the first two batters - but then a walk to Lance Berkman started all the trouble. With David Freese batting, Howell was called for a balk - then the distracted pitcher walked Freese - then completely self-destructed by serving up a long home run to Rasmus - down the right field line.
Much earlier in this game - in the second-inning - a Berkman double, a Freese single, a Rasmus RBI ground out and a Yadier Molina RBI single gave the Cardinals a 2-0 lead - until all hell broke loose in the eighth - as the lead was cut to two again.
In another three months, both the Cardinals and Rays would qualify for postseason play on the day forever known as Wild Card Wednesday - Game 162. St Louis had it easy on that last day - an 8-0 win over the Astros - Tampa, on the other hand didn't have it so easy; but they did manage to overcome a 7-0 deficit to the Yankees in thrilling fashion.
Looking back on this game, that 5-0 lead wasn't so comfortable after all.
Sunday, July 1, 2012 - At Busch Stadium III (Randy Westbrook - Starting Pitcher) - Opposition: Pittsburgh Pirates (Erik Bedard - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 37,821
This time, Jake Westbrook was far from brilliant in his six innings pitched against the up-and-coming Pittsburgh Pirates - who scored four runs on nine hits (including a two-run home run) and a walk. On the bright side, Jake did manage to strike out six - and this time, the bullpen - Rzepczynski, Boggs and Motte (for the save - his 17th) gave him all the relief needed to secure the win.
Pirates starter Erik Bedard was even less effective - lasting only 4.2 innings - getting touched for five runs on eight hits (including a pair of home runs) and a couple of walks. The Pirates' bullpen did a stellar job also, but the game had already been decided - for all intents and purposes - by the end of the fifth-inning.
St Louis jumped out to a 3-0 lead after three-innings - thanks to a Yadier Molina second-inning solo home run and an Allen Craig two-run third inning blast.
But then the Pirates grabbed the lead after plating four runs in the fourth-inning - highlighted by a Clint Barmes two-run double, immediately followed by a Michael McHenry two-run home run.
But the Cardinals rallied for Jake with two runs in the fifth to take a lead they would not relinquish. It all began with Bedard plunking Matt Carpenter with a pitch - then Matt Holliday getting revenge on the ball by smashing it down the left field line for a run-scoring double. The next batter - Craig - hit one high and far to left-center field, but it stayed in the park; however, Holliday was able to tag up and advance to third with the potential go-ahead run. But Freese seemed to put the rally in the deep freeze when he struck out on a high fastball.
Molina was then walked intentionally, as Pittsburgh elected to pitch to Shane Robinson in that situation. The strategy backfired on manager Clint Hurdle when Shane lined a single to center to score Holliday with what proved to be the winning run.
It wasn't pretty, but Westbrook now joined a list of Cardinal pitchers who had won on the same day in back-to-back seasons. And I have no idea how extensive that list might be - for now.
Monday, June 16, 2014
June 16, 2009 - Cards Clobber Verlander - Waino Tames Tigers
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 - At Busch Stadium III: A classic pitching match-up between Cardinals' ace - Adam Wainwright - and the Detroit Tigers' Justin Verlander - for all intents and purposes, was over after one inning. Whereas Wainwright was able to escape a two-out bases loaded first-inning jam - retiring Brandon Inge on a long fly ball to the deepest reaches of center field - Verlander could not.
Yadier Molina's two-out bases loaded single off Verlander in the bottom of the first-inning scored two runs - and opened the floodgates. Unnerved, Verlander then balked in another run. His misfortune continued as light-hitting Joe Thurston brought in the fourth - and final - run of the inning with a double.
The rest of the game was elementary. Wainwright controlled the Detroit lineup, while St Louis scored another run off Verlander before he was relieved of duty after just four innings - then continued the assault on three relievers - Robertson, Perry and Lyon - to tack on another six runs - featuring back-to back home runs by Albert Pujols (23) and Chris Duncan (5).
The only run Wainwright allowed came on a two-out sixth-inning home run by Brandon Inge (15). As far as Wainwright and the Cardinals were concerned, they were happy that long ball didn't happen with the bases juiced - when Inge just missed hitting it out in the first-inning. Yes, timing is everything.
The only other Detroit run came off reliever P.J. Walters - when Miguel Cabrera went deep in the eighth-inning - his 12th home run and 40th RBI of the season. Strangely enough, the long since departed Inge had more home runs (15) and RBI (42) at this point in the season than the player widely regarded nowadays as the best hitter in the game.
In baseball, five years can - and usually does - bring about a lot of changes. Some players improve with age, while others regress, even before hitting 30.
Tony Gwynn, who lost his battle with cancer earlier today, hit .394 at the age of 34, during the strike-shortened 1994 season - so people tend to forget how close he came to hitting .400, twenty years ago. Seems like only yesterday.
By the way, he should have won the '87 NL MVP Award - just for the record.
Yadier Molina's two-out bases loaded single off Verlander in the bottom of the first-inning scored two runs - and opened the floodgates. Unnerved, Verlander then balked in another run. His misfortune continued as light-hitting Joe Thurston brought in the fourth - and final - run of the inning with a double.
The rest of the game was elementary. Wainwright controlled the Detroit lineup, while St Louis scored another run off Verlander before he was relieved of duty after just four innings - then continued the assault on three relievers - Robertson, Perry and Lyon - to tack on another six runs - featuring back-to back home runs by Albert Pujols (23) and Chris Duncan (5).
The only run Wainwright allowed came on a two-out sixth-inning home run by Brandon Inge (15). As far as Wainwright and the Cardinals were concerned, they were happy that long ball didn't happen with the bases juiced - when Inge just missed hitting it out in the first-inning. Yes, timing is everything.
The only other Detroit run came off reliever P.J. Walters - when Miguel Cabrera went deep in the eighth-inning - his 12th home run and 40th RBI of the season. Strangely enough, the long since departed Inge had more home runs (15) and RBI (42) at this point in the season than the player widely regarded nowadays as the best hitter in the game.
In baseball, five years can - and usually does - bring about a lot of changes. Some players improve with age, while others regress, even before hitting 30.
Tony Gwynn, who lost his battle with cancer earlier today, hit .394 at the age of 34, during the strike-shortened 1994 season - so people tend to forget how close he came to hitting .400, twenty years ago. Seems like only yesterday.
By the way, he should have won the '87 NL MVP Award - just for the record.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
June 12, 2005 - Seabol's Only Career HR a Game Winner Over Yankees
The life of a big league ballplayer is rarely as glamorous as most people envision. For Scott Seabol - a 21-year old infielder who signed with the New York Yankees in the 1996 amateur draft - his life was anything but glamorous. After toiling in the Yankees system for five years, his shot with the big club finally arrived on April 8, 2001.
The Yankees were hammering the Toronto Blue Jays, 13-5, in the sixth-inning of a game played at Yankee Stadium, when manager Joe Torre decided to give veteran outfielder David Justice the rest of the night off. With that, Seabol entered the game as a pinch hitter to face the zany Dan Plesac, who retired the kid on a pop fly to the second baseman.
That was the extent of his major league career with New York.
After signing a free agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002 - he never made the big club, was released in 2003 - then immediately signed with the Cardinals. After spending another couple of years kicking around the minors, Seabol got another chance to live the glamorous life of a big league ballplayer in 2005 - at the age of 30.
Seabol appeared in 59 games for Tony LaRussa in 2005 - mostly as a backup infielder - in what would prove to be his final season as a major league player. The highlight of his very brief career came in a game against his original team - the New York Yankees - on:
Sunday, June 12, 2005 - At Busch Stadium III: This was the rubber game of a three-game series between the New York Yankees and St Louis Cardinals - two iconic rivals who had faced each other five times between 1926 and 1964 in World Series competition. Every regular season inter-league game since has been infused with a definite postseason atmosphere - and today was no exception, as 50,372 red-clad fans packed the house, hoping Cards starter Matt Morris could contain the mighty Yankees' lineup.
The Cardinals struck first off Yankees stater Carl Pavano in the third-inning - when Yadier Molina doubled, advanced to third on Morris' sacrifice bunt, and scored on David Eckstein's single. That would be the only run Pavano would allow in his six innings of work.
New York tied the game in the fifth-inning, on a two-out Alex Rodriguez RBI double - scoring former Cardinal Tony Womak from first. For Morris, that too, would be the only run he'd allow in six innings of work.
With Alberto Reyes now pitching for St Louis, Derek Jeter began the Yankees' seventh with a double, but remained at second as Reyes retired the next two batters. LaRussa then summoned lefty Ray King out of the bullpen to face the dangerous Hideki Matsui - who promptly drove in the run with a single to right.
With Tanyon Sturtze now pitching for the Yankees - trying to preserve a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh- the Cardinals got something started, with a one-out single by Molina - his second hit of the game.
LaRussa then sent Scott Seabol in to pinch hit for Ray King - who was currently on the hook for a possible loss. Instead, the former-Yankee draftee hit the first - and only - home run of his major league career - putting King (1-1) - who completed one-third of an inning of work - suddenly in a position to win the game.
In Seabol's childhood fantasies, maybe this home run took place in the Seventh Game of the World Series, to win it for his team. Yet, as he circled the bases with more than 50,000 fans going crazy on this Sunday afternoon in St Louis, this had to be the next best thing.
Later in the inning, Jim Edmonds added a two-out two-run double off reliever Mike Stanton to pad the Redbirds' lead to 5-2 - which shrunk to 5-3 in the New York eighth-inning, after Jorge Posada's solo home run off Julian Tavarez.
But that was the old ball game. Jason Isringhausen retired the Yankees in order in the ninth, to earn his 18th save, and make Scott Seabol a bit of a hero in Cardinal Nation, for at least a day.
The Yankees were hammering the Toronto Blue Jays, 13-5, in the sixth-inning of a game played at Yankee Stadium, when manager Joe Torre decided to give veteran outfielder David Justice the rest of the night off. With that, Seabol entered the game as a pinch hitter to face the zany Dan Plesac, who retired the kid on a pop fly to the second baseman.
That was the extent of his major league career with New York.
After signing a free agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002 - he never made the big club, was released in 2003 - then immediately signed with the Cardinals. After spending another couple of years kicking around the minors, Seabol got another chance to live the glamorous life of a big league ballplayer in 2005 - at the age of 30.
Seabol appeared in 59 games for Tony LaRussa in 2005 - mostly as a backup infielder - in what would prove to be his final season as a major league player. The highlight of his very brief career came in a game against his original team - the New York Yankees - on:
Sunday, June 12, 2005 - At Busch Stadium III: This was the rubber game of a three-game series between the New York Yankees and St Louis Cardinals - two iconic rivals who had faced each other five times between 1926 and 1964 in World Series competition. Every regular season inter-league game since has been infused with a definite postseason atmosphere - and today was no exception, as 50,372 red-clad fans packed the house, hoping Cards starter Matt Morris could contain the mighty Yankees' lineup.
The Cardinals struck first off Yankees stater Carl Pavano in the third-inning - when Yadier Molina doubled, advanced to third on Morris' sacrifice bunt, and scored on David Eckstein's single. That would be the only run Pavano would allow in his six innings of work.
New York tied the game in the fifth-inning, on a two-out Alex Rodriguez RBI double - scoring former Cardinal Tony Womak from first. For Morris, that too, would be the only run he'd allow in six innings of work.
With Alberto Reyes now pitching for St Louis, Derek Jeter began the Yankees' seventh with a double, but remained at second as Reyes retired the next two batters. LaRussa then summoned lefty Ray King out of the bullpen to face the dangerous Hideki Matsui - who promptly drove in the run with a single to right.
With Tanyon Sturtze now pitching for the Yankees - trying to preserve a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh- the Cardinals got something started, with a one-out single by Molina - his second hit of the game.
LaRussa then sent Scott Seabol in to pinch hit for Ray King - who was currently on the hook for a possible loss. Instead, the former-Yankee draftee hit the first - and only - home run of his major league career - putting King (1-1) - who completed one-third of an inning of work - suddenly in a position to win the game.
In Seabol's childhood fantasies, maybe this home run took place in the Seventh Game of the World Series, to win it for his team. Yet, as he circled the bases with more than 50,000 fans going crazy on this Sunday afternoon in St Louis, this had to be the next best thing.
Later in the inning, Jim Edmonds added a two-out two-run double off reliever Mike Stanton to pad the Redbirds' lead to 5-2 - which shrunk to 5-3 in the New York eighth-inning, after Jorge Posada's solo home run off Julian Tavarez.
But that was the old ball game. Jason Isringhausen retired the Yankees in order in the ninth, to earn his 18th save, and make Scott Seabol a bit of a hero in Cardinal Nation, for at least a day.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
April 1
April Fool's Day has not been kind to the St Louis Cardinals; rather, it has been a cruel joke three out of the four times the Redbirds have been scheduled to play on this practical joker's holiday. Last year, for example, Adam Wainwright's opening day assignment in Arizona versus the Diamondbacks was a far cry from the gem he hurled last night in Cincinnati (no runs on three hits in seven innings, with nine strikeouts). On April 1, 2013 Waino surrendered four runs (all earned) on eleven hits in just six innings of work. Arizona tacked on a couple more runs en route to an easy 6-2 win.
Back in 2008, the Cardinals hosted the Colorado Rockies, as Kyle Lohse started for St Louis, worked five scoreless innings, and was in line to get the win when Yadier Molina broke a scoreless tie with a fifth-inning solo home run (sound familiar?). Colorado was held in check until the eighth-inning, when our old friend Ryan Franklin retired nary a single batter, loading the bases on two singles and a base on balls. By the time the mess was over, the Rockies had a 2-1 lead which they never relinquished, as Franklin chalked up another blown save and a loss in one fell swoop.
In Cincinnati last night, the bullpen held on to that precarious 1-0 lead, despite a rocky eighth-inning when poor defense had the Reds in a position to at least tie the game; perhaps even go ahead.
Going back to April 1, 2007, the defending World Champion Cardinals opened the season at home versus the New York Mets - the team they eliminated in a classic seven game NLCS just a few short months prior - and this time, the New Yorkers exacted some measure of revenge, as an ineffective and injured Chris Carpenter struggled through six innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on nine hits. Future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine sailed through six innings to capture a 6-1 win. Not only was 2007 a disaster for Carpenter, who was essentially shelved for the entire year with a bad shoulder - it was a disaster for the Redbirds as a whole. Nothing seemed to go right all season, as the Redbirds finished below .500 for the only time since the beginning of the millennium.
We have to go all the way back to 2002 to experience the thrill of April Fool's Day victory for the Cardinals. St Louis scored early and often en route to an easy 10-2 win over the visiting Colorado Rockies, as ace Matt Morris breezed through seven innings, allowing just a single run on five hits. The 2001 Rookie of the Year - Albert Pujols - got off to a flying start to the new season with a pair of doubles in four trips to the plate, good for three runs batted in. Cardinal fans would be treated to eleven Hall of Fame-caliber seasons to the player manager Tony LaRussa said was the best he ever managed. No argument here.
The 2014 Cards seem to have a stacked deck; perhaps even the best team in baseball. But with the way things have gone in the past on April Fool's Day, it's probably a good thing they had the night off this time around.
Back in 2008, the Cardinals hosted the Colorado Rockies, as Kyle Lohse started for St Louis, worked five scoreless innings, and was in line to get the win when Yadier Molina broke a scoreless tie with a fifth-inning solo home run (sound familiar?). Colorado was held in check until the eighth-inning, when our old friend Ryan Franklin retired nary a single batter, loading the bases on two singles and a base on balls. By the time the mess was over, the Rockies had a 2-1 lead which they never relinquished, as Franklin chalked up another blown save and a loss in one fell swoop.
In Cincinnati last night, the bullpen held on to that precarious 1-0 lead, despite a rocky eighth-inning when poor defense had the Reds in a position to at least tie the game; perhaps even go ahead.
Going back to April 1, 2007, the defending World Champion Cardinals opened the season at home versus the New York Mets - the team they eliminated in a classic seven game NLCS just a few short months prior - and this time, the New Yorkers exacted some measure of revenge, as an ineffective and injured Chris Carpenter struggled through six innings, allowing six runs (five earned) on nine hits. Future Hall of Famer Tom Glavine sailed through six innings to capture a 6-1 win. Not only was 2007 a disaster for Carpenter, who was essentially shelved for the entire year with a bad shoulder - it was a disaster for the Redbirds as a whole. Nothing seemed to go right all season, as the Redbirds finished below .500 for the only time since the beginning of the millennium.
We have to go all the way back to 2002 to experience the thrill of April Fool's Day victory for the Cardinals. St Louis scored early and often en route to an easy 10-2 win over the visiting Colorado Rockies, as ace Matt Morris breezed through seven innings, allowing just a single run on five hits. The 2001 Rookie of the Year - Albert Pujols - got off to a flying start to the new season with a pair of doubles in four trips to the plate, good for three runs batted in. Cardinal fans would be treated to eleven Hall of Fame-caliber seasons to the player manager Tony LaRussa said was the best he ever managed. No argument here.
The 2014 Cards seem to have a stacked deck; perhaps even the best team in baseball. But with the way things have gone in the past on April Fool's Day, it's probably a good thing they had the night off this time around.
March 31
Prior to yesterday, the Cardinals have only played March baseball when it counted on three other occasions - in 1998, 2003, and the World Championship season of 2011. Strangely enough, the Cardinals were winners in '98 and '03 - when they failed to make the playoffs - but came up short three years ago, losing an excruciating 11-inning home opener against the San Diego Padres - 5-3; clearly a game that should've been won.
Chris Carpenter started the game for St Louis, and pitched admirably, allowing just two runs in seven innings of work; good for a "no decision". After Matt Holliday's one out solo home run in the bottom of the eighth-inning gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead, closer Ryan Franklin promptly relinquished that lead with two outs in the top of the ninth-inning, serving up a home run ball of his own to Padres catcher Nick Hundley to dead centerfield.
The inspired Padres then pushed two more runs across the plate in the 11th-inning off somebody named Bryan Augenstein; then All-Star San Diego closer Heath Bell pitched a perfect bottom half to hand St Louis one of their most galling defeats in recent memory.
What made the day seem more like a Twilight Zone episode than ballgame was the 0 for 5 performance from future free agent Albert Pujols, who not only was hitless, he managed to ground into three double plays in front of the astonished Redbird faithful. Despite the bad day at the plate by the distracted Cardinal first baseman, this defeat was a classic example of the team's Achilles Heal - an unreliable bullpen which frequently used gasoline to put out fires - a recipe for disaster.
What a difference three years makes. In yesterday's exciting 1-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright pitched seven scoreless innings while battery mate Yadier Molina's seventh-inning home run off Reds starter Johnny Cueto was all the offense needed for Waino; then the bullpen - Neshek, Siegrist, Martinez, and Rosenthal - kept the Reds at bay, despite an adventurous eighth-inning, highlighted by sloppy defense. In other years, this game may very easily have slipped away from the Redbirds.
Not this year; at least, not in Game One. In 2011, the Cardinals would sneak into the postseason on the last day of the regular season, en route to an improbable World Championship. This 2014
edition may or may not make it all the way to the top of the baseball world, but one thing is clear: This team is better; especially in the bullpen.
Chris Carpenter started the game for St Louis, and pitched admirably, allowing just two runs in seven innings of work; good for a "no decision". After Matt Holliday's one out solo home run in the bottom of the eighth-inning gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead, closer Ryan Franklin promptly relinquished that lead with two outs in the top of the ninth-inning, serving up a home run ball of his own to Padres catcher Nick Hundley to dead centerfield.
The inspired Padres then pushed two more runs across the plate in the 11th-inning off somebody named Bryan Augenstein; then All-Star San Diego closer Heath Bell pitched a perfect bottom half to hand St Louis one of their most galling defeats in recent memory.
What made the day seem more like a Twilight Zone episode than ballgame was the 0 for 5 performance from future free agent Albert Pujols, who not only was hitless, he managed to ground into three double plays in front of the astonished Redbird faithful. Despite the bad day at the plate by the distracted Cardinal first baseman, this defeat was a classic example of the team's Achilles Heal - an unreliable bullpen which frequently used gasoline to put out fires - a recipe for disaster.
What a difference three years makes. In yesterday's exciting 1-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright pitched seven scoreless innings while battery mate Yadier Molina's seventh-inning home run off Reds starter Johnny Cueto was all the offense needed for Waino; then the bullpen - Neshek, Siegrist, Martinez, and Rosenthal - kept the Reds at bay, despite an adventurous eighth-inning, highlighted by sloppy defense. In other years, this game may very easily have slipped away from the Redbirds.
Not this year; at least, not in Game One. In 2011, the Cardinals would sneak into the postseason on the last day of the regular season, en route to an improbable World Championship. This 2014
edition may or may not make it all the way to the top of the baseball world, but one thing is clear: This team is better; especially in the bullpen.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
2014 St Louis Cardinals Preview
Last season, the St Louis Cardinals posted the best record in the National League (97-65), then cruised through the NLDS and NLCS before eventually losing a six game World Series to the Boston Red Sox. To better understand what may be in store for St Louis in 2014, here's a brief overview of last season's hitting, pitching, and fielding statistics (NL rank in parenthesis):
RUN DIFFERENTIAL +187 (1)
BA .269 (2) - OBP .332 (1) - SLG .401 (3)
RUNS 783 (1) - 2B 322 (1) - 3B 20 (12) - HR 125 (13) - SB 45 (15)
ERA 3.43 (5) - SO 1254 (5) - SV 44 (5)
FLD % .988 (1) - ERRORS 75 (1) - DP 177 (1) - DEF EFFICIENCY .691 (14) - RUNS SV -37 (14)
This is a very good team that in all likelihood, got even better during the offseason by addressing four areas of weakness:
(1) Offensive production at shortstop - featuring a .222 BA (second lowest in NL) and .307 OBP (third lowest in NL). The fiscally responsible John Mozeliak signed free agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta to a four-year $53 million deal, just a couple of months after Peralta served a 50 game PED suspension as a member of the Detroit Tigers. After doing his time, the well rested and clean Jhonny was welcomed back by his teammates just in time for the postseason, which didn't end the way Detroit would have liked; although the future Redbird hit well for his former mates; something that didn't go unnoticed by either the Cardinals' front office or JP's agent (presumably). Peralta's track record has been good the last three seasons, averaging .278 BA and .438 SLG. He should reach double digits in home runs for his new team and play above average defense.
(2) Speaking of defense, despite the high fielding percentage, the Cardinals were one of the worst teams in the NL in defensive efficiency - basic run prevention. With rookie Kolton Wong projected to be the new starting second baseman, Matt Carpenter will move over to third base (his natural position). Incumbent third baseman David Freese became the odd man out after an injury hampered season which produced just 9 home runs, .381 SLG, no speed on the bases, and limited range on defense. He and reliever Fernando Salas were shipped to the LA Angels of Anaheim in exchange for Peter Bourjos and 22-year old outfield prospect Randal Grichuk. When healthy, Bourjos is one of the best defensive centerfielders in the game, and will more than likely get the bulk of the playing time over Jon Jay, who had numerous misadventures on defense last season. Thus, in one fell swoop, the Cardinals will be heading into the 2014 season significantly better defensively at three positions. The extra bonus in the deal is Grichuk, who may develop into a bona-fide power hitter in the not-too-distant future.
(3) Aside from Clayton Kershaw (go figure), the Cardinals had great difficulty winning against left handed pitching last season. They signed former Dodger free agent second baseman Mark Ellis - a right handed batter who hits well against lefties - to a one year $5.25 million deal. Ellis will be a solid defensive insurance policy in case Wong has trouble making the adjustment to major league pitching. The previously mentioned additions of Jhonny Peralta and Peter Bourjos - both right handed hitters - should help the team fare better against southpaws this season.
(4) Team speed - or lack thereof - resulted in the Cardinals swiping a NL low 45 bases last season; plus a less than desirable defensive efficiency (previously mentioned). The Cardinals proved that they can win despite these shortcomings. However, with two new additions to the lineup - Bourjos and Wong - the stolen base will become a legitimate offensive weapon; and it's a good bet the team's defensive efficiency will be vastly improved as well.
PITCHING - Heading into the new season, the Cardinals pitching seems to be significantly stronger than the staff that posted the fifth lowest ERA (3.43) in the NL in 2013. With Chris Carpenter permanently out of action, Kyle Lohse gone via free agency, and Jaime Garcia sidelined for most of the year (only 55 IP) with recurring shoulder problems, St Louis had to heavily rely on rookies or second year pitchers to eat up innings, along with veteran Jake Westbrook who was effective early in the season but had shoulder issues of his own as the season wore on. The bullpen was especially shaky for much of the season, with a host of underperforming relievers not getting the job done on a consistent basis. Edward Mujica became the closer by default, and to his credit, pitched admirably until the last month or so of the season when he either ran out of gas or simply lost his skills. He became a free agent and somehow convinced the Red Sox to sign him.
This season, the Cardinals are loaded with young power arms that will either win spots in the five-man starting rotation or provide manager Mike Matheny with significantly better options out of the bullpen than he had for most of last year. In fact, between the now departed Mitchell Boggs and the previously mentioned Fernando Salas (to Halos in Freese - Bourjos trade), six games that could easily have been won last year, were blown by this pair.
Barring injury, the St Louis bullpen will be a major strength - not a liability - this season. In all likelihood, the left-handers coming out of the pen will include Randy Choate, Tyler Lyons, and Kevin Siegrist (50 SO in 39.2 IP to go with a ridiculous 0.45 ERA).
Two pitchers trying to return from injury - Jaime Garcia and Jason Motte - are still questionable for a healthy return to duty; any contributions from either of them will be a luxury.
Right-handed options out of the bullpen include Seth Maness and the young power-arms of setup man Carlos Martinez and closer Trevor Rosenthal (108 regular season SO in 75.1 IP). The blown saves that plagued the Cardinals last year should be a thing of the past in 2014.
HITTING - Last season, the Cardinals led the National League with 783 runs scored despite hitting fewer home runs than all but two other NL teams. They did it by hitting a MLB-record .330 with RISP, by grinding out a league high .332 OBP and by hitting more doubles than any other NL team - 322 (the sixth highest total in franchise history). Matt Carpenter's 55 doubles not only led MLB, it was the most by a left-handed hitter in franchise history (breaking Stan Musial's record). Yadier Molina's 44 two-base hits were the most by a catcher since Pudge Rodriguez hit 47 in 1996.
The type of relentless offensive attack the Cardinals put together last season may be unsustainable in 2014. However, the team should be significantly better defensively and more consistent with their pitching; overall, a more balanced team, still able to maintain a favorable run differential over the course of the regular season.
The Opening Day lineup should look something like this:
Matt Carpenter - third base (led MLB with 126 runs scored last season)
Peter Bourjos - centerfield (led AL with 11 triples in 2012)
Matt Holliday - leftfield (22 home runs last season)
Allen Craig - rightfield (97 RBIs despite missing most of Sept last season)
Matt Adams - first base (17 home runs and team-leading .503 SLG last season)
Yadier Molina - catcher (career high 80 RBIs last season)
Jhonny Peralta - shortstop (significant offensive upgrade)
Kolten Wong - second base (must prove he can hit like he did in minors)
Waiting in the wings is the highly rated prospect, Oscar Taveras - a left-handed power hitting outfielder. He may well slug his way into the lineup, forcing manager Mike Matheny to juggle Matt Adams and Allen Craig around to make room for the rookie.
The projected starting rotation:
Adam Wainwright (NL-leading 241.2 IP last season)
Michael Wacha (NLCS MVP as a rookie last season)
Shelby Miller (3.06 ERA as a rookie last season)
Lance Lynn (198 SO in 201.2 IP last season)
Joe Kelly (2.69 ERA in 124 IP last season)
Jaime Garcia may prove healthy enough to slide into the rotation, but any sustained work from him seems unlikely, given his history of shoulder trouble. Tyler Lyons, a promising 24-year old lefty may earn a spot in the rotation, if any of the above have performance or injury issues over the course of the season.
PROGNOSIS - The Cardinals should be able to repeat as NL Central champions. In fact, barring injury, they may prove to be even better than they were last year. Many baseball analysts now rate them as the number one team in MLB, based on how much they improved their roster this off season.
If all goes as expected, St Louis will be playing postseason baseball once again in 2014 - for the fourth straight year - a feat they have never accomplished in franchise history. Of course, there's a first time for everything.
RUN DIFFERENTIAL +187 (1)
BA .269 (2) - OBP .332 (1) - SLG .401 (3)
RUNS 783 (1) - 2B 322 (1) - 3B 20 (12) - HR 125 (13) - SB 45 (15)
ERA 3.43 (5) - SO 1254 (5) - SV 44 (5)
FLD % .988 (1) - ERRORS 75 (1) - DP 177 (1) - DEF EFFICIENCY .691 (14) - RUNS SV -37 (14)
This is a very good team that in all likelihood, got even better during the offseason by addressing four areas of weakness:
(1) Offensive production at shortstop - featuring a .222 BA (second lowest in NL) and .307 OBP (third lowest in NL). The fiscally responsible John Mozeliak signed free agent shortstop Jhonny Peralta to a four-year $53 million deal, just a couple of months after Peralta served a 50 game PED suspension as a member of the Detroit Tigers. After doing his time, the well rested and clean Jhonny was welcomed back by his teammates just in time for the postseason, which didn't end the way Detroit would have liked; although the future Redbird hit well for his former mates; something that didn't go unnoticed by either the Cardinals' front office or JP's agent (presumably). Peralta's track record has been good the last three seasons, averaging .278 BA and .438 SLG. He should reach double digits in home runs for his new team and play above average defense.
(2) Speaking of defense, despite the high fielding percentage, the Cardinals were one of the worst teams in the NL in defensive efficiency - basic run prevention. With rookie Kolton Wong projected to be the new starting second baseman, Matt Carpenter will move over to third base (his natural position). Incumbent third baseman David Freese became the odd man out after an injury hampered season which produced just 9 home runs, .381 SLG, no speed on the bases, and limited range on defense. He and reliever Fernando Salas were shipped to the LA Angels of Anaheim in exchange for Peter Bourjos and 22-year old outfield prospect Randal Grichuk. When healthy, Bourjos is one of the best defensive centerfielders in the game, and will more than likely get the bulk of the playing time over Jon Jay, who had numerous misadventures on defense last season. Thus, in one fell swoop, the Cardinals will be heading into the 2014 season significantly better defensively at three positions. The extra bonus in the deal is Grichuk, who may develop into a bona-fide power hitter in the not-too-distant future.
(3) Aside from Clayton Kershaw (go figure), the Cardinals had great difficulty winning against left handed pitching last season. They signed former Dodger free agent second baseman Mark Ellis - a right handed batter who hits well against lefties - to a one year $5.25 million deal. Ellis will be a solid defensive insurance policy in case Wong has trouble making the adjustment to major league pitching. The previously mentioned additions of Jhonny Peralta and Peter Bourjos - both right handed hitters - should help the team fare better against southpaws this season.
(4) Team speed - or lack thereof - resulted in the Cardinals swiping a NL low 45 bases last season; plus a less than desirable defensive efficiency (previously mentioned). The Cardinals proved that they can win despite these shortcomings. However, with two new additions to the lineup - Bourjos and Wong - the stolen base will become a legitimate offensive weapon; and it's a good bet the team's defensive efficiency will be vastly improved as well.
PITCHING - Heading into the new season, the Cardinals pitching seems to be significantly stronger than the staff that posted the fifth lowest ERA (3.43) in the NL in 2013. With Chris Carpenter permanently out of action, Kyle Lohse gone via free agency, and Jaime Garcia sidelined for most of the year (only 55 IP) with recurring shoulder problems, St Louis had to heavily rely on rookies or second year pitchers to eat up innings, along with veteran Jake Westbrook who was effective early in the season but had shoulder issues of his own as the season wore on. The bullpen was especially shaky for much of the season, with a host of underperforming relievers not getting the job done on a consistent basis. Edward Mujica became the closer by default, and to his credit, pitched admirably until the last month or so of the season when he either ran out of gas or simply lost his skills. He became a free agent and somehow convinced the Red Sox to sign him.
This season, the Cardinals are loaded with young power arms that will either win spots in the five-man starting rotation or provide manager Mike Matheny with significantly better options out of the bullpen than he had for most of last year. In fact, between the now departed Mitchell Boggs and the previously mentioned Fernando Salas (to Halos in Freese - Bourjos trade), six games that could easily have been won last year, were blown by this pair.
Barring injury, the St Louis bullpen will be a major strength - not a liability - this season. In all likelihood, the left-handers coming out of the pen will include Randy Choate, Tyler Lyons, and Kevin Siegrist (50 SO in 39.2 IP to go with a ridiculous 0.45 ERA).
Two pitchers trying to return from injury - Jaime Garcia and Jason Motte - are still questionable for a healthy return to duty; any contributions from either of them will be a luxury.
Right-handed options out of the bullpen include Seth Maness and the young power-arms of setup man Carlos Martinez and closer Trevor Rosenthal (108 regular season SO in 75.1 IP). The blown saves that plagued the Cardinals last year should be a thing of the past in 2014.
HITTING - Last season, the Cardinals led the National League with 783 runs scored despite hitting fewer home runs than all but two other NL teams. They did it by hitting a MLB-record .330 with RISP, by grinding out a league high .332 OBP and by hitting more doubles than any other NL team - 322 (the sixth highest total in franchise history). Matt Carpenter's 55 doubles not only led MLB, it was the most by a left-handed hitter in franchise history (breaking Stan Musial's record). Yadier Molina's 44 two-base hits were the most by a catcher since Pudge Rodriguez hit 47 in 1996.
The type of relentless offensive attack the Cardinals put together last season may be unsustainable in 2014. However, the team should be significantly better defensively and more consistent with their pitching; overall, a more balanced team, still able to maintain a favorable run differential over the course of the regular season.
The Opening Day lineup should look something like this:
Matt Carpenter - third base (led MLB with 126 runs scored last season)
Peter Bourjos - centerfield (led AL with 11 triples in 2012)
Matt Holliday - leftfield (22 home runs last season)
Allen Craig - rightfield (97 RBIs despite missing most of Sept last season)
Matt Adams - first base (17 home runs and team-leading .503 SLG last season)
Yadier Molina - catcher (career high 80 RBIs last season)
Jhonny Peralta - shortstop (significant offensive upgrade)
Kolten Wong - second base (must prove he can hit like he did in minors)
Waiting in the wings is the highly rated prospect, Oscar Taveras - a left-handed power hitting outfielder. He may well slug his way into the lineup, forcing manager Mike Matheny to juggle Matt Adams and Allen Craig around to make room for the rookie.
The projected starting rotation:
Adam Wainwright (NL-leading 241.2 IP last season)
Michael Wacha (NLCS MVP as a rookie last season)
Shelby Miller (3.06 ERA as a rookie last season)
Lance Lynn (198 SO in 201.2 IP last season)
Joe Kelly (2.69 ERA in 124 IP last season)
Jaime Garcia may prove healthy enough to slide into the rotation, but any sustained work from him seems unlikely, given his history of shoulder trouble. Tyler Lyons, a promising 24-year old lefty may earn a spot in the rotation, if any of the above have performance or injury issues over the course of the season.
PROGNOSIS - The Cardinals should be able to repeat as NL Central champions. In fact, barring injury, they may prove to be even better than they were last year. Many baseball analysts now rate them as the number one team in MLB, based on how much they improved their roster this off season.
If all goes as expected, St Louis will be playing postseason baseball once again in 2014 - for the fourth straight year - a feat they have never accomplished in franchise history. Of course, there's a first time for everything.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
April 30, 2011: This Date in St Louis Cardinals Championship History - Comeback Win in Atlanta
April 30, 2011: In addition to a strong finish by the Cardinals in the 2011 season, an epic collapse on the part of the Atlanta Braves was required if the Redbirds were to have any chance of catching them in the NL Wild Card race. Of course, the Braves did their part - capped off by a three-game sweep at the hands of the Phillies at home to close out the season. Earlier in the evening of MLB Game 162, Chris Carpenter had no trouble dispatching the Houston Astros, giving his team a chance to relax in the visitor's clubhouse to watch Freddy Freeman's double-play grounder abruptly end Atlanta's frustrating season.
However, what enabled that Happy Flight can be directly linked to a late April three-game series at Turner Field when the Cardinals won two out of three from Atlanta, including the unlikely comeback they were able to pull off on this particular Saturday afternoon against one of the best bullpens in baseball. In the end, the Braves' closer, Greg Kimbrell, would be knocked out of the game after recording only one out in the ninth-inning.
This unlikely comeback happened in a game when Albert Pujols went hitless, and Lance Berkman failed to deliver a crucial hit coming off the bench late in the game. It also happened on a day Yadier Molina was rested, but his replacement delivered the game winning hit. Go figure.
In the end, both teams would only muster six hits apiece, but it was St Louis getting the maximum reward for those hits by scoring one more run than Atlanta, in comeback fashion; with only a 10% "win probability" as late as the eighth-inning of this game (according to BaseballReference.com). Defying the odds would become a trend for the Redbirds. They were just getting warmed up.
The starting pitchers - Jake Westbrook for St Louis and Brandon Beachy for Atlanta - both pitched well, but neither one figured in the decision. Westbrook went six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks. A two-run fifth-inning double by Atlanta's Martin Prado broke a scoreless tie.
Meanwhile, Beachy pitched seven complete innings, allowing the Cardinals just one hit and no runs until he took the mound in the eighth-inning, when the only two batters he faced - Daniel Descalso, who doubled, and Tyler Greene, who drew a base on balls - both scored.
Beachy was replaced by Johnny Venters, who appeared to be on his way to getting out of the jam after Nick Punto bunted both runners over (one out), he struck out Lance Berkman, who was pinch-hitting for Jon Jay (two out). However, David Freese came through with the big two-out hit to tie the game - a single to right field. It was the type of hitting that would earn Freese both the NLCS and World Series MVP honors a few months down the road.
LaRussa's bullpen took care of business after Westbrook was lifted; Mitchell Boggs pitched a scoreless seventh-inning, followed by the veteran Miguel Batista's scoreless eighth. The stage was set for Fernando Salas to record his second save of the season which would give Miguel Batista his second win of the season. All the Redbirds needed to do was score a ninth-inning run off the nearly invincible Craig Kimbrell.
Matt Holliday promptly greeted Kimbrell with a single to right field. Colby Rasmus then struck out. The next hitter was Gerald Laird, who seemed like a good candidate to either srike out or hit into a double play. Perhaps Kimbrell was trying to get the double play ball; instead, his catcher couldn't handle a hard slider- ruled a passed ball - which allowed Holliday to take second base.
First base was now open, but Kimbrell challenged Laird with a fastball which was ripped into the left-center field gap, easily scoring Holliday. By the time the ball could be retrieved, Laird was standing on third base. It would be the only triple he'd hit all season. The Cardinals would eventually load the bases with two out, but Lance Berkman struck out for the second time in two innings to end the threat - stranding a total of five baserunners in two plate appearances for the game.
But the damage had been done. The comeback the Cardinals were able to pull off against the Braves pales in comparison to what they would do in Game Six vs the Rangers. However, without this game in the "win column", Chris Carpenter's 8-0 shutout of the Astros on the last day of the season would have been meaningless.
However, what enabled that Happy Flight can be directly linked to a late April three-game series at Turner Field when the Cardinals won two out of three from Atlanta, including the unlikely comeback they were able to pull off on this particular Saturday afternoon against one of the best bullpens in baseball. In the end, the Braves' closer, Greg Kimbrell, would be knocked out of the game after recording only one out in the ninth-inning.
This unlikely comeback happened in a game when Albert Pujols went hitless, and Lance Berkman failed to deliver a crucial hit coming off the bench late in the game. It also happened on a day Yadier Molina was rested, but his replacement delivered the game winning hit. Go figure.
In the end, both teams would only muster six hits apiece, but it was St Louis getting the maximum reward for those hits by scoring one more run than Atlanta, in comeback fashion; with only a 10% "win probability" as late as the eighth-inning of this game (according to BaseballReference.com). Defying the odds would become a trend for the Redbirds. They were just getting warmed up.
The starting pitchers - Jake Westbrook for St Louis and Brandon Beachy for Atlanta - both pitched well, but neither one figured in the decision. Westbrook went six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks. A two-run fifth-inning double by Atlanta's Martin Prado broke a scoreless tie.
Meanwhile, Beachy pitched seven complete innings, allowing the Cardinals just one hit and no runs until he took the mound in the eighth-inning, when the only two batters he faced - Daniel Descalso, who doubled, and Tyler Greene, who drew a base on balls - both scored.
Beachy was replaced by Johnny Venters, who appeared to be on his way to getting out of the jam after Nick Punto bunted both runners over (one out), he struck out Lance Berkman, who was pinch-hitting for Jon Jay (two out). However, David Freese came through with the big two-out hit to tie the game - a single to right field. It was the type of hitting that would earn Freese both the NLCS and World Series MVP honors a few months down the road.
LaRussa's bullpen took care of business after Westbrook was lifted; Mitchell Boggs pitched a scoreless seventh-inning, followed by the veteran Miguel Batista's scoreless eighth. The stage was set for Fernando Salas to record his second save of the season which would give Miguel Batista his second win of the season. All the Redbirds needed to do was score a ninth-inning run off the nearly invincible Craig Kimbrell.
Matt Holliday promptly greeted Kimbrell with a single to right field. Colby Rasmus then struck out. The next hitter was Gerald Laird, who seemed like a good candidate to either srike out or hit into a double play. Perhaps Kimbrell was trying to get the double play ball; instead, his catcher couldn't handle a hard slider- ruled a passed ball - which allowed Holliday to take second base.
First base was now open, but Kimbrell challenged Laird with a fastball which was ripped into the left-center field gap, easily scoring Holliday. By the time the ball could be retrieved, Laird was standing on third base. It would be the only triple he'd hit all season. The Cardinals would eventually load the bases with two out, but Lance Berkman struck out for the second time in two innings to end the threat - stranding a total of five baserunners in two plate appearances for the game.
But the damage had been done. The comeback the Cardinals were able to pull off against the Braves pales in comparison to what they would do in Game Six vs the Rangers. However, without this game in the "win column", Chris Carpenter's 8-0 shutout of the Astros on the last day of the season would have been meaningless.
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