INSIDE PITCH
The
Cardinals, who for the first time in more than three weeks were about to lose
their grip on the second National League wild-card spot, scored perhaps their
biggest victory of the season in beating Los Angeles 5-2 in 12 innings
Sunday.
They left town with a one-game lead
over the Dodgers and the schedule will turn for the Cardinals.
While the Dodgers prepare for a
nine-game trip to Washington, Cincinnati and San Diego, the Cardinals will have
nine games with the two worst clubs in the National League, playing Houston six
times and Chicago three.
After right-hander Adam Wainwright
turned in a strong six innings, the Cardinals' bullpen, without right-hander
Mitchell Boggs (sore back) and right-hander Edward Mujica (day off), worked six
scoreless innings. Rookie right-hander Shelby Miller gained his first big-league
win and right-hander Trevor Rosenthal fanned four in two scoreless
innings.
Center fielder Jon Jay, perhaps
wearing down, had been 2-for-27 on the trip and 0-for-5 on Sunday, but he
doubled to drive in the winning run. First baseman Allen Craig, who had five RBI
in the last two games, singled to score another run, and a bases-loaded walk
plated the third run of the 12th. The Cardinals finished their California trip with a
dismal 2-5 record but left ahead in the race for the second wild card with 15
games remaining.
Jay worked his way back from an 0-2
count. "I had a long day," said Jay. "I was just hoping I could make something
happen."
Wainwright, who remained at 13-13,
said, "That was a big win. If we lost today, you run the risk of guys hanging
their heads. I don't think this group would do it, but you still run the risk of
it. It was a good win to avoid that.
"We just had to win that
game."
NOTES,
QUOTES
RHP Shelby Miller, the
club's top draft pick in 2009, gained his first big-league win Sunday in the
Cardinals' 5-2 win over Los
Angeles in 12 innings. "It's obviously a moment to
remember for me," said Miller, who pitched a scoreless 11th inning. "It's one of
the top things that have happened in my life so far."
RHP Chris Carpenter,
troubled by a nerve condition that affected his right shoulder and required
surgery in July, will make his first appearance - and start - of the season
Friday in Chicago. It seems remarkable that Carpenter
will be pitching at all this season, but he said, "We've worked hard to get back
and be able to do this. Like we've said all along, we weren't expecting it, but
I'm excited." Manager Mike Matheny said, "He's a presence on this
team."
RHP Lance Lynn, who
gained his 15th win on Thursday in a return to the rotation, earned another
start, to be made Wednesday at home against Houston. LHP Jaime Garcia, who has a 2.63 ERA
at home, will make Thursday's start against the Astros after RHP Kyle Lohse
starts the first game on Tuesday.
RHP Joe Kelly, impressive
as a starter in his rookie season, will be moved to the bullpen, at least
temporarily as RHP Chris Carpenter returns to the rotation after missing all
season with a nerve condition that affected his right
shoulder.
RHP Mitchell Boggs, who
wasn't available Sunday because of back spasms suffered while pitching on
Saturday, isn't expected to be out long, even though he has had the ailment
before. "I've dealt with it a little bit in the past and as far as that scale,
it's the least," said Boggs.
C Yadier Molina gunned
down Los Angeles
basestealing whiz Dee Gordon, who was pinch running in the seventh. It was the
second time Molina got Gordon officially in the series although Cardinals
manager Mike Matheny, referring to a key missed umpiring call in the ninth
inning Saturday when Gordon was called safe at second, said, "That's actually
the third time."
By the
Numbers:
15 - Number of strikeouts
by Cardinals hitters on Sunday.
Quote to Note:
"We're not doing the
little things. I don't care what kind of offensive team you have. If you're not
doing those things, it's going to bite you."
- Manager Mike Matheny,
on the Cardinals' failure lately to move runners over, although SS Pete Kozma
did get a sacrifice bunt down in the 12th inning Sunday, putting what proved to
be the lead run into scoring position.
MEDICAL
WATCH
RHP Jake Westbrook
(strained right oblique) will miss a start or two but apparently will be able to
pitch again this season.
1B Lance Berkman (sore
right knee) underwent additional surgery Sept. 14 and is out for the season. His
career might be over as well.
RHP Chris Carpenter
(right shoulder surgery) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March
26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 10. He threw for the first
time since March on June 13 and then threw another 40 pitches on June 15. He
threw to hitters for the first time June 22 but then had a setback June 25 when
he felt renewed weakness in the shoulder. He said it felt better the next day,
and he had an extensive throwing session off flat ground June 27. On June 28, he
was told he has thoracic outlet syndrome, which can cause, among its effects,
weakness in one's shoulder. He underwent what was believed to be season-ending
surgery July 19 to relieve thoracic outlet syndrome. He is scheduled to come off
the disabled list on Friday, September 21.
SS Rafael Furcal (torn
ligament in right elbow) was placed on the 15-day disabled list Aug. 31 and is
out for the season. He might need Tommy John surgery, but he got a platelet-rich
plasma injection on Sept. 4 in the hopes of avoiding having to go under the
knife.
RHP Kyle McClellan (torn
labrum in right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list May 18 due to a
strained right elbow, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 30. He
threw on flat ground for the first time July 3, but he subsequently felt
shoulder pain. He had season-ending shoulder surgery July
10.
Link to boxscore: St. Louis 5 at Los Angeles 2 (12 innings)