Tagged: Furcal

The Cardinals Prove, They Still Have Life

Oh ~ the sweet sound of victory, the ending of a losing streak, getting a handle on the opposing team, no more mister nice-guy and giving the opposing team a run for their money.  That’s what the Cardinals achieved in yesterday’s game against the Nationals.

Even so, the Cardinals had to rise to occasion with hard work that proved to be successful.  But ~ the Nationals did not lay down and roll over.  A very close game and an exciting finish for the Cardinals in their 10-9 win.

Cardinals Kyle Lohse started on the mound and the beginning was pretty much as it had been for the Nationals, taking over in the first with 4 runs on RBI’s by LaRoche, Desmond and K. Suzuki ~ one which was on an error by LF Holliday.  I thought ~ we just can’t have another repeat….the Cardinals are making it too easy.  It’s not like the Nationals have never lost a game with 52 losses, so they had been vulnerable in previous outings.  The Cardinals had to find it ~ or relax and play the game they know how to play.  That they did ~ taking no prisoners yesterday!

Thanks to great offense and defense, which they Cardinals have shown all season ~ yesterday, they shrugged off their sluggishness and got it back.  They started slowly in the second, with a two run homer by David Freese off a 2-2 count from Nationals SP Zimmerman. The Nationals rallied back by putting two more runs on the board to hold the lead in the bottom of the second.  Then the Cardinals began to make their move … top of third ~ Holliday hits a two run homer on an 0-0 count closing the score gap.  Into the fourth, Matt Carpenter hit a double with a 3 run RBI.  And, Craig singled which allowed another runner in. The Cardinals take the lead, 8-6.  A quiet fifth inning, and seemed the Cardinals had cooled down a bit the top of the sixth. The Nationals rallied in the bottom of the inning with Espinosa getting a home run on 0-1 count off Lohse.  The Nationals added a couple of RBI’s ~ one by SP Zimmerman ~ which quieted the Cardinal fans that were in attendance ~ taking back the lead by one.  This was the last chance for the Nationals as they were held at 9 runs.  The Cardinals came back in the eighth to tie with a single RBI by Beltran. Once again, the hometown boy ~ David Freese ~ had a single RBI in the ninth to take the lead.

Cardinals RP Boggs got the win and CP Motte had his 32nd save, with a 4-4 W/L.  The SP’s were tested on both teams.  Cardinals Lohse, 5.2 IP, allowed 9 hits, 8 runs, 5 errors, no walks and 4 strike outs putting his season ERA at 2.81.  For the Nationals, Zimmerman was taken out early pitching only 3.2 innings.  He allowed 8 hits, 8 runs/errors, 1 walk, and only 3 strike outs. His ERA, 3.01.

This slugfest of the day gave fans quite the game to watch, and a lot holding their breath to see if their Cardinals were up to the task of the day.   The team proved they were, even with a couple of errors, to come out on top.  Hopefully this will be the push the Cardinals needed to play the game as we know they are capable.  In today’s final game of the four game series, SP’s will be Cardinals Jake Westbrook (13-10/3.94) against one of the few scheduled appearance until post season, Nationals Stephen Strasburg (15-6/3.05).  Westbrook is looking to improve his performance today as he was handed a loss by the Pirates in the first shutout game handed to the Cardinals in their previous series.

The Brewers, once again, helped the Cardinals with their win yesterday over the Pirates, 3-2.  However, the Dodgers held on to take the win over the Diamondbacks, 2-1.  This puts both the Pirates and the Dodgers 1.5 behind the Braves and the Cardinals in the NL Wild Card race.  In the AL, the A’s and the Orioles remain at the top of the standings for the Wild Card position, with the Rays 1.5 and the Tigers 2 behind the leaders.  Over the last couple of days, the AL teams have put a bit of breathing room in their standings for the Wild Card.

As it goes in baseball ~ it’s not over until it’s over.  Seemingly with only 30 games left in the scheme of the full 162 ~ not many left to play.  However, much can change in the next few remaining weeks.  The excitement continues.

To all ~ enjoy your games…with a bit of NFL preseason still being played.  Ah, sports ~ always something of interest.  Have a great day ~ Always, Elichap

 

Cardinals Continue to Roll ~ Road Trip

Yes, the Cardinals did use their broom and swept the Astros with the decisive third game win, 12-5, Thursday night ~ which closed the Cardinals 9 game home stretch.  Last night, they began their road trip in Cincinnati who are leading in the NL Central.  Not only was this game crutial … as they all will be from here on out … for the Cardinals Wild Card hopes, but to hold the Reds lead in the division.  The Cardinals continued their strong play last night and showed the Reds SP Mat Latos no mercy.

The game began with what the Reds’ fans expected ~ their team in the lead without much difficulty. By the bottom of the 5th inning, Reds had the lead 5-2.  Cardinals SP Lance Lynn gave up six hits for four runs, 2 walks and only one strike out. Lynn was retired early in the third inning.  Joe Kelly followed Lynn for the next 3 innings with four hits, one run, one walk and six strike outs.  Collectively for the remainder of the game ~ the Cardinals bullpen settled in and only allowed 6 hits, and had an impressive 13 strike outs.

Cardinals 3B David Freese had a ground out double, with Craig scoring in the second, and then an RBI in the fourth to put 2 runs on the board for the Cardinals.  But it was the sixth inning for Reds SP Latos that allowed the Cardinals to take command of the game on the board.  FB Allen Craig had a three run homer, followed by a solo home run by C Yadier Molina.  An RBI by Furcal and a sacrifice hit by Matt Carpenter to bring in Skip Schumaker for a score, 8-5, in the Cardinals favor. With the great performance by the Cardinals bullpen, their lead was held to take the win over the Reds. RP Joe Kelly (4-5) got the win, and Jason Motte added another save to his record to give him 30 in 35 chances.

During the eighth inning, 3B David Freese was hit by a wild pitch on his left wrist … as the bruise was quite evident, can only hope all is well and he will be in the line-up for today.  Reportedly, FB Lance Berkman, on the DL with inflammation in his right knee ~ seriously contemplating retirement after this season.  When Berkman is to return to the current line-up is still in question.

This was the Cardinals four straight win.  And with the Pirates losing to the Brewers, 6-5, yesterday ~ which my congrats goes out the Milwaukee ~ the Pirates have had as many losses in recent days with being swept by the Padres.  Now, the Cardinals are two ahead of the Pirates taking over second place in the NL Central…and closed the gap behind the Reds to six.  For the Wild Card race….the Cardinals are tied with the Braves, and sit 1.5 ahead of the Dodgers in the National League.  In the American League, the Rays, Orioles and the Oakland A’s are tied leading the Tigers by one, and the LA Angels by 2.5.

Other scores yesterday ~ the Rangers shutout the Twins, 8-0. The Dodgers handle the Marlins with ease, 11-4.  The Oakland A’s hold their lead over the Rays for a win, 5-4.  The Orioles take the win over the Blue Jays, 6-4.   The Phillies keep the Nationals from adding to their win column, handing the Nationals a loss, 4-2.  And for the southenders of Chicago ~ their White Sox continue to add to their lead in the AL Central 2.5 games over the Tigers ~ with a win over the Mariners, 9-8.

So, the race continues down the stretch.  For the Cardinals, SP Garcia (3-4/4.00) will be on the mound against the Reds SP Leake (5-8/4.59).  Yet another day, another game to concentrate on.

To you all ~ enjoy your games.   Just a note away from baseball ~ the Chicago Bears did squeak by the NY Giants in their preseason game, 20-17.  However, I do believe the Bears have a bit more “tweaking” to do prior to their regular season begins on offense ~ Chris Williams has got to go bye-bye!!  The boy is big ~ but just not capable of stopping a flea!!!  We’ll see how Lovie handles that situation ~ among numerous others.  A lot of work to be done before they face the Colts September 9th!  However, the Bears do have one more preseason to prove they have the kinks out ~ August 30th  against the Cleveland Browns.

Have a great day!!   Always, Elichap

Oh What a Night For The St. Louis Cardinals ~ Rest Is Good

What a day for the St. Louis Cardinals (66-56) coming off a tough loss on Sunday in the longest game this season ~ 19 innings ~ to the Pirates.  They had Monday off, and it sure seemed to help.  They are hosting the Houston Astros (39-84) and played game one of their three games series last night.
It was a great game to watch and reinstilled hope, once again, to Cardinal fans.
SP Adam Wainwright (12-10) was the man of the night.  After returning this season from the DL due to Tommy John surgery, his performance has slowly but surely returned, and may even be better than before.  Last night he pitched his second complete game of the season with only 5 hits, no errors, 1 walk, and 12 strike outs, which matched his season high for a shutout, 7-0. He didn’t even look tired on the mound and had full control over the Astros line-up.  Wainwright had great support from the team both offensively and defensively.

Cardinals CF John Jay was awesome with a couple of catches at the wall and one diving catch in center field.  SS Furcal made an excellent catch at second, having to make a complete turn to make the throw to first for the out.  A total of six RBI’s by Jay, Molina and Schumaker added to the excitement.

This brings the Cardinals back to within one of the Pittsburg Pirates (67-56) with their second loss to the San Diego Padres (55-70), 7-5.  Of course, the Cincinnati Reds (75-49) continue to inch their way forward away from both teams with a win over over the Phillies (57-66), 5-4 ~ in the NL Central.

Other great news for the Cardinals, SP Jake Westbrook (12-9) signed an extension for 2013, with an option for 2014.  Two great pitchers for the Cardinals, adding to their improving bullpen.  Another very prominent pitcher for the Cardinals will start tonight, Kyle Lohse (12-2/2.61) against Astros SP B. Norris (5-10/5.23).

This is the time for the Cardinals to begin to make their move ~ a sweep over the Houston Astros would certainly be nice to see.  It’s essential for the Cardinals if they want Wild Card hopes in their future ~ their schedule is not going to be any easier.  Closing out this home stretch of three series, they will be on the road for the next 9 games. The Cardinals will face Red, Pirates and the Nationals (77-46).  Two first place teams and must fight to knock the Pirates out of second.  Going to be a very interesting race as we get closer to closing out this season.

To all ~ have a great day and enjoy your games.  Always, Elichap

The St. Louis Cardinals ~ on a Teeter-Totter

For the St. Louis Cardinal’s last six out of their seven games, they have been at .500. Last night’s rally put them one above for the seven day stretch with a win over the Brewers, 9-3, at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals have also faced problems offensively in their close games within one or two runs behind ~ putting themselves over the top has escaped them to make a difference in their win column all season. Right now the Cards are looking at a wild card spot with being 3.5 games out behind the Braves and the Pirates. With their win last night did help their cause along with the Reds shutting out the Pirates, 3-0. But they need to begin putting more “W’s” ~ overcoming those close games in addition to the impressive large run leads ~ on the board to be assured of a spot in the playoffs come this fall….even a wild card spot.

Cardinals SP Joe Kelly fought his way back in last night’s win. However, he gave up 3 runs before settling in and taking control in the 5 2/3 innings. Even though, he did give up 10 hits. His last win was June 22nd against the Royals. Kelly has pitched some very good games despite his 2-4 record. In three of the four losses, the offense did not play strong enough…and the relief pitching was lacking to help better his record. Even though, the offense came to the rescue for Kelly last night. RBI’s by Freese, Descalso (2), Furcal, Holliday and even Kelly had an RBI to add to his success last night. RP Jose Mujica, recently picked up by the Cardinals from the Marlins, was added to the mix and proved himself for the one inning he was on the mound. CP Rzepczynski got the save and handed Kelly his win. Brewer’s SP Randy Wolf had his problems too ~ allowing 5 runs on 9 hits during 5 1/3 innings. For last night ~ the overall pitching from Kelly, the relievers, offense at the plate, and taking advantage of three errors on the part of the Brewers ~ playing a solid game all around.

Tonight’s match-up with be Cardinals SP Wainwright against Brewer’s SP Mark Rogers. As we have become accustom to with the Cardinals…they are not a “sweep” team ~ so, the Brewers still have hope for at least one win … possibly two. “On any given day” ~ we do not have a crystal ball to the outcome. However, I sure would enjoy bringing out the broom for the Cardinals. As rare as it has been, would be nice to see.

Was good to see Molina behind the plate, with an injury to his right thumb Wednesday ~ after examination, only bruised and didn’t seem to be an issue for him last night. Furcal is working through his back discomfort, but his doing his best for the team. Berkman ~ back on the 15 day DL due to straining his right knee after having recent surgery … found the knee still a bit weak. I have not read where he will be sent down for rehab….but he did admit, it’s just not as strong as it needs to be.

So fans ~ enjoy your games today.  Have a great day! Always ~ Elichap

St. Louis Cardinals Take Game 3 in 12

As much as Cardinals SP Wainwright was the man of the game on Tuesday, SS Furcal was the hero in last night’s game, to take the second of three games so far, in this 4 game series with the L.A. Dodgers in St. Louis.

The pitching was basically a pitch-off by Cardinals Lohse and Dodger’s Harang. Both pitched seven innings, with Harang .1 into the eighth. Lohse allowed 7 hits to Harang’s two, each had 2 runs, and each had two errors on their stat sheet.  Lohse had no walks, and only 4 strike-outs. Harang ~ 4 walks and 8 strike-outs. By the end of the ninth inning ~ tied score, 2-2. Now …. into extra innings…with relief pitchers keeping things pretty quiet on the field.  Player’s trying to stay focused, while continuing to contend with the extreme temps on the field, the Cardinals found a way to get them all out of the heat. With Dodger’s RP J. Wright coming in the latter part of the eleventh, he kept the Cardinals to one hit.  However,Wright’s pitching in the bottom of the twelveth turned out a bit different than he wanted.  I do believe the Cardinals had enough, and were ready to get off that extremely hot field …. it’s now or never.  Cardinals catcher Molina first at bat ~ grounded out to SS, over FB Loney = out #1.  Lance Berkman has been on the day-to-day DL since Tuesday night’s game ~ being hit by a pitch from Kershaw during the third inning.  Kershaw’s pitch hit Berkman right on his right knee, which he had surgery on in May.  He  just recently returned to the line-up from an extended stay on the DL. So ~ in a modest but very important role, we have Berkman pinch-hitting for Salas.  Wright walks Berkman.  SP Joe Kelly steps in as pinch-runner for Berkman (all in a day’s work ~ someone is keeping track of who’s on first, etc!!).  Cardinals’ 2B Schumaker, strikes out ~ #2. Are the fans who remained in their seats ~ going to stay til the end?  Fortunately, their wait was not long.  Matt Carpenter up ~ hits a single to center sending Kelly to 2nd. Now Furcal ~ not doing a great deal offensively during the course of the evening ~ may have been thinking at that moment at the plate…now!  Furcal hits a single to left field with Kelly scoring the walk-off run for the night. Cardinals take the win, 3-2!  That’s their second straight in this four game series, Dodger’s took the first game.  For last night’s victory, SP Lohse gets the win and CP Salas the save.

But, the hopes of the Dodger’s was getting Hanley Ramirez on board ~ just in from the Marlins ~ to help boost the Dodger’s to a win.  “Ramirez, traded from Miami earlier in the day, went 2 for 4 with a walk, an RBI and a run scored in his debut, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Dodgers in a 3-2, 12-inning loss to the Cardinals.” But the Cardinals and the Dodgers have one last game to be played ~ which should be starting here in just a bit this afternoon; and, not quite as smoldering as the past 3 days have been.  Cardinals SP Westbrook, 8-8/.360 will go against Dodger’s SP Capuano, 10-5/.281.  So, as the Cards are looking to take 3 out of 4 games….the Dodger’s are looking to split. I’m sure the Dodger’s are happy H. Ramirez is now in Blue….he will have his time in the limelight…. he’s adjusting to the 3B position instead of SS ~ doing what he can to help his new team. However, St. Louis Cardinal fans are hoping that all his expertise is saved for their home crowd….or, at least …. out of St. Louis.

You all enjoy your games this afternoon and evening!  Always ~ Elichap