It was just another day at the ballpark for the St. Louis Cardinals, or at least another game without much offensive firepower. The Cardinals managed just seven hits to the Cubs' 16, and lost the finale of the series 7-1 at Busch Stadium.
It's starting to get frustrating in Cardinal country, as the offense has mustered up just one run in three of its last four games.
Starting pitcher Todd Wellemeyer was average at-best, serving up three runs in just five innings of work. The Cardinals bullpen, however, was absolutely atrocious. Three relievers combined to give up four runs over the last four innings, putting the game out of reach after Ryan Ludwick's sixth inning solo shot to cut to lead down to 3-1.
The Redbirds offense, which had been struggling as of late, proved no different today, going 7-for-34 (.205 BA). The Cubs offense, on the other hand, was spectacular today, hitting at over a .400 clip.
Cubs starter Sean Marshall did his best Todd Wellemeyer early-season impression, hurling six innings while surrendering just one run, the home run to Ludwick. The bullpen simply fell apart in the late innings, at last committing an error to throw the game six runs out of reach.
It doesn't get a whole lot easier from here for the Cardinals, either. They go from facing the best team in the NL to the third best, the Philadelphia Phillies, who comfortably hold first place in the NL East.
Comeback starter Mark Mulder is slated to face J.A. Happ in Wednesday night's game. The first and third games will be hard-fought, as the Phillies top two dogs take the mound in ace lefty Cole Hamels and effective veteran Jamie Moyer.
It would have been awfully nice to see the Cardinals in their resilient stage once more, especially against the Cubbies. It has happened numerous times this year, after losing the first game of the series, the Cards come back to win the remaining two. That was simply not the case on this Sunday afternoon.
The closest the Cards have gotten seems to be 2.5 games, and with the lead now stretched to 3.5, the Redbirds need to find a way to get things done in Philadelphia to avoid falling further behind. But it all starts with a productive offense.
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3 months ago
This was a tough series, I'm sure. Having only 3 games head to head so far, it was hard to predict who would come out on top. Getting Big Z back gave an immediate shot in the arm, and the lefties pitched very well. Overall, this rivalry is taking on an added dimension, since both teams are getting it done offensively, and their fortes are their starters.
This series will bear much more looks, although this may become more of a three man race, if the Brewers land CC.
from 3 months ago
I definitely agree! Thanks for the read, Johnny!
3 months ago
Ben, I'd say when you give up 7 runs, you should focu on the pitching and not the hitting. Grnated, it's hard to win with just one run, and I realize how frustrating that is. But you can't give up 7 runs and expect to win.
from 3 months ago
This is perhaps true, both need work!
3 months ago
At least you didn't completely screw up in a published article!!!!! Oh well, I'll take 2 of 3. The Cubs seem to be back and ready to dominate again, look out for the new best team in the majors again!!! I hope.
from 3 months ago
Ha, what are your referring to, Joe?
from 3 months ago
Read the predictions article, twins vs. red sox, I kinda messed that up.
from 3 months ago
Ha, way to be, big Joey!
3 months ago
Those Phillies games will be even more important if the Marlins, Mets, or Braves end up winning that division. Either way, Philadelphia will likely contend for the best record.
from 3 months ago
I absolutely agree. I think that the Phillies will win the division, but if not, they may take the WC away from the Cards/Brewers.
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