Cardinals-Astros: Big Second Inning Is Key to 8-4 Win

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Skip Schumaker has had a nice couple of games down in Houston. Last night, in a 6-1 loss, Schumaker went 2-for-4 in the leadoff spot. Tonight, he had a near-cycle, going 3-for-5, with a single, double, and a triple. 

Schumaker was key for the Cardinals in their huge second inning, which started off with a solo blast by third baseman Troy Glaus. Shortly thereafter, Schumaker tripled plating two Cardinal runs. The onslaught was far from over as Brian Barton got in on the action with a ground-rule double.

Houston Astros starter Shawn Chacon rolled through the first inning, but after an intentional walk to Albert Pujols in the second, outfielder Ryan Ludwick went yard to give the Cards' a 7-0 lead.

It is good at that the Cardinals had such a productive second inning, because after starter Adam Wainwright got hurt with no outs in the sixth inning, reliever Kyle McClellan came in and gave up two runs in an inning, to make the score 7-4.

However, the Astros could get no closer, as the Cardinals tacked on another run to make the final score 8-4.

The last three innings for the Cardinals went quite well, as far as keeping runs off the board.

Relievers Randy Flores, Chris Perez, and Ryan Franklin combined to toss the final innings to shut the door on the Astros.

This game also gives the Cardinals a game on the Cubs after the Los Angeles Dodgers defeated them 7-3.

I saw a lot of offensive positives tonight, but there is one distinct negative that may linger longer than expected. Wainwright came out with an injury to his finger, which may be more serious than it originally looked. A sprained finger may not be too bad, but as a pitcher, the way you grip the ball is absolutely essential.

That said, Wainwright has five days to recuperate and get ready for his next start, and he gave the Cards a nice chance to take the series in a rubber game Sunday afternoon.