Tagged: Molina
What a Night For Cardinal’s SP Wainwright
Maybe it was the 1982 retro uniforms both teams wore this evening. Maybe SP Wainwright had the perfect mind-set and pretty much relaxed taking the mound. Whatever the reason, Cardinals Adam Wainwright (9-10) just closed out a complete game with only allowing 1 run for the Brewer’s in the first. After that ~ it was all Wainwright – only allowed 5 hits and had 7 strike-outs. He had great pitching selection, delivery was very good with obvious concentration. The crowd was standing in support for their hero of the night during the ninth inning cheering Wainwright on. He had one small blemish during the nine innings ~ a feather finger flicker and was called for a balk. Along with a great night of pitching, he helped out at the plate. Along with Wainwright’s double with a RBI, Craig and Molina added RBI’s, also. Home run by Beltran in the second ~ with a hold at third base while the umpires discussed and reviewed his hit. The ball went passed the first wall in right field, hit the second wall and took a bounce back into the park. The ruling was a homer. Beltran proceeded to home plate. John Jay hit a homer in the sixth. Both home runs were on zero counts. All in all ~ a great night for Wainwright and the Cardinals taking game two of their three game series, 6-1, over the Brewers.
First time starter Brewers pitcher Mark Rogers (0-1), charged with the loss, went 5 innings with 5 runs, 7 hits, 1 walk and 5 strike-outs.
The Cardinals do have a chance to sweep tomorrow night with Cardinals SP Lohse (11-2/2.90) against Brewers SP Marco Estrada (0-4/4.34). It has been a great weekend so far in celebration of the Cardinals 1982 World Series Champion Team.
To all ~ hope you have enjoyed your baseball today and/or the Olympics. To Bratman ~ there is tomorrow.
Have a great evening ~ 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 The Cubs at Wrigley
With the 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony under way ~ athletes beginning to file out to be honored for their triumphs and victories to obtain their status “Olympian”. Hosting ~ the City of London in the United Kingdom, we will see Gold, Silver and Bronze placed upon the three top athletes in their individual events. Butterflies and excitement for the next seventeen days.
But, on the home front this afternoon ~ the St. Louis Cardinals continue their great play and won over the Chicago Cubs, 9-6 ~ a win for Cardinals SP Lance Lynn, 13-4 and CP J Motte adds another save to his total, now 23. A very rough day for Cubs SP Travis Wood.
But the windy Wrigley field provided an exciting game for both Cardinals and Cubs ~ balls going out of the park ~ just that the Cardinals had more …. 5 total for the game. Holliday solo HR in the first, Second inning ~ Molina a two run HR in the second, Descalso hitting a RBI/triple. Lynn hit a sacrifice fly bringing in Descalso to score. Berkman solo HR in the third (with 1 RBI, in the seventh) , M. Carpenter solo in the fourth, and Craig solo in the fifth. Berkman closed out the Cardinals hitting spree in the seventh ~ sacrifice fly bringing Descalso in for the final score. Eight of the nine runs for the Cardinals were while Woods was on the mound. Reportedly the wind in Wrigley was going “out” towards left field today. But for the Cardinals ~ didn’t matter. They had the ball going into center, left and right.
However, Lynn had his trials on the mound, also ~ he allowed the 6 runs the Cubs put on the board. For the Cubs ~ Rizzo had a two run HR and RBI’s by Castro, Rizzo, Soriano and Soto. Fortunately, Lynn had a great bullpen to help him out today. Just a good thing that there were no extra innings. The Cardinals RP’s Fuentes, Browning, Salas (1 hit and 1 walk), Rzepczynski (.2) and thankfully Motte to close. I do believe they had run the gambit of reserves. Marte was sent to the minors when Fuentes came on board.
Cubs RP Corpus was charged with the ninth run, but RP Russell and CP Camp held their ground and kept the Cardinals off the board in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively.
The Cardinals take the first game out of the three game series. It’s going to be a great weekend!
Enjoy the Olympics, enjoy your baseball …. if you squeeze it in! Have a great evening ~ Always, Elichap
Bye, Bye Cubs…Bye, Bye Cubs ~ Back to Chicago, Yes You Go!
Brooms were flying in St. Louis yesterday!!
Yes, the Cardinals took the three game sweep this weekend over the Chicago Cubs sending them packing to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates, before heading back to Chi-town. But what a series for the Cardinals ~~ Friday’s game, 4-1, with Matt Holliday’s record 469′ into center field solo home run. Saturday 12-0, shutout for Cardinals SP Westbrook. In a seventh inning batting exhibition by the Cardinals, players were at the plate multiple times, added the most runs in an inning, and doubles in a game to their record book ~ performing around 2 outs before being retired ~ priceless. And yesterday! The Cardinals picked up where they left off beginning Sunday’s game 4-0 in the first and closing with another shutout, 7-0, for Cardinals SP Lance Lynn (12-4) and CP Rzepczynski for the save. Aaah ~ it was a grand day in the neighborhood!! ~ with bragging rights to enjoy throughout today. Even though, as great as it was ~ the Cardinals go into Cubbie country this coming weekend. Potential paybacks can be rough, as we all know it can be with the Cardinals and the Cubs … the I55 rivals.
However, next on the Cardinals (50-45) immediate schedule …. tonight will be the incoming Dodger’s (52-44) for a four game series at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals will need to continue their offensive efforts to go along with their excellent defense. No team can be taken for granted. The Dodger’s swept the Cardinals in their last meeting in L.A, May 18-20. The Dodger’s have CF Matt Kemp back in the line-up, in addition to RF Andre Ethier ~ two great players who have returned from the DL. Cardinals SP Joe Kelly, 2-1/2.75 will be pitted against Dodger’s Chad Billingsley, 4-9/4.30. Billingsley, went on the 15 day DL on July 8 due to inflammation in his right elbow. As of right now, he is scheduled to pitch for tonight’s game. FB Lance Berkman and C Yadier Molina will be back in the line-up for Cardinals after a days rest. But, I sure enjoyed the excitement of yesterday ~ Cardinals CF John Jay was the man! MVP for the game. A great weekend in baseball!
The Dodgers had taken two of three in their series against the Mets, in New York, over the weekend. In Sunday’s extra inning game, the Dodger’s put up 5 runs in the top of the 12th inning to take the lead and the Mets just didn’t have enough to overcome ….. giving the Dodgers a sweep of their own.
So ~ with a good night’s rest to take on those rascally “Dodger-Doughboys” …. I’m hope the Cardinals deliver a payback in this series. Yes, summer is hotdogs, apple pie, a cool drink, cruising in a heavy Chevy and baseball!
To all ~ enjoy! Always-Elichap
Oh, What A Night ~ For Cincinnati
The Great American Ball Park was full to the brim with 39,280 and Cincinnati fans with brooms in hand, hopeful anticipation of a sweep by their team over the St. Louis Cardinals. As the night closed, they were not disappointed. Former Cardinal Ludwick and team did indeed sweep the Cardinals with a win last night ~ closing the deal since May, 2011 ~ 4-2. Red’s Homer Bailey and Scott Rolen were the men of the hour.
Cincinnati continued their tough play against the Cardinals who struggled throughout the series. Reds’ SP Homer Bailey replaced Cueto due to a blister on his index finger. Bailey had an ERA of 5.64 in his home park. But last night, he proved he was a worthy opponent on the mound for the Cardinals ~ pitching a full eight innings reaping the win. Cardinals SP Jake Westbrook saw 7.1 innings and was holding pretty well, but frustration mounted with each inning for him. It was a duel of the pitchers ~ right up until the eighth inning.
During the second inning, Cardinals FB Berkman had been reactivated into the lineup. Berkman has returned off the DL due to surgery on his right knee and had been out since May 19th. He had opted to forego continued rehab in the minors to get back to active play. He hit a single and was safe at first on an error by Red’s Votto. Cardinals catcher Molina ~ up at bat to an onslaught of booing by Reds’ fans. Once again showing his strength at the plate, hit a double which brought Berkman running the bases and in for the score. After crossing the plate ~ Berkman walked to the dugout and greeted by teasing teammates regarding his running skills. Even though the Cardinals take the first lead and only lead they had, 1-0. The Reds’ were not going to be denied. In the bottom of the third, with Reds’ Votto hitting a double and B. Phillips single ~ the Red’s take over, 2-1. Pretty much quiet until the top of the sixth. Once again, booing broke out as Molina step to the plate. On a 1-1 count, Molina hit a solo home run which quieted the crowd. Game tied.
Coming into the bottom of the eighth ~ it is evident that Westbrook was feeling the pressure, continuing his own chatter to himself of encouragement ~ his first walk of the night ~ Votto to first. Hitting B. Phillips with a pitch. Two on ~ and with a wild throw, both advance. Westbrook was retired to the bench and Cardinals RP Rzepczynski was brought in. Walking Ludwick….Cardinals manager Matheny called up Boggs to the mound. Red’s Rolen was at the plate ~ hit a single in the opposite field which brought Votto and B. Phillips in to score. Red’s take the lead. Red’s closing pitcher Aroldis Chapman came to the mound in the ninth. Even though this was the third night in a row for Chapman to close, this did not affect his ability to throw his fast balls. With his expertise, it was lights out for the Cardinals. Chapman gets the save, giving Bailey the win and making Red’s manager Dusty Baker a very happy camper. This was the sixth straight win for the Red’s. The Cardinals just could not overcome to save a sweep. Westbrook felt it was the walk that lost the game for them. If only we could rewind the clock ~ but it is what it was. I say it is the bullpen that still needs to be addressed by the Cardinals to get back into the race to October. The Cardinals will be scrutinized even deeper into this second half and as the team gets closer to playoff games, especially for manager Matheny being his first year at the helm.
The Cardinals (46-43) go onto Milwaukee to face the Brewers (42-46). Cincinnati (50-38) will host the Diamondbacks (42-46) in a four game series which continues their ten game at home schedule.
To everyone ~ enjoy your day and games coming up. Always ~ Elichap
St. Louis Cardinals ~ Too Close To the .500 Mark…Again.
This is my first blog under the “Cardinal Fan” ID ~ we have gotten through to the second half of our season. With the Cardinals traveling to Cincinnati to play the Reds this weekend ~ not such a good show for the Cardinals. Once again we seem them lacking after the All-Star break. Where does the mindset go when they were beginning to bring it together prior to the break. Granted before the break, they were only 6 over .500. Not great by any means, but keeping their head above water. The Cardinals are still looking for a bullpen to help out. Westbrook (7-7, 3.75) will be our starting pitcher for tonight’s game against Red’s Bailey (7-6, 4.14), who is replacing Cueto. Cueto, reportedly, has a blister on his index finger of his pitching hand which developed while practicing in a bullpen session. With Cueto held out, this may be the Cardinals saving grace to save a sweep by the Reds.
The starting pitchers for the Cardinals have done “okay”… but it’s the relief pitchers/closer’s that are lacking to keep the games in the Cardinals favor. However, since their return ~ the team in general has been sluggish at best on both offense and defense. Berkman is now back with the team, but not on the active list as of yet. Pinch hitting during Saturday’s game ~ Berkman struck out. Molina was 1-4 with a solo home run, which is great ~ but not enough. Holliday has been hitting better of late, but as we know ~ there is no such thing as a one man team.
In this series, the Cardinals’ two losses have been close, 3-5 and 2-3. However, when the “fat lady sings”, whoever has the greater score takes the win. Cardinals have been a “sweep breaker” pretty much most of their season to date. The last time they were swept was in May by the Dodger’s. The Reds are looking for their first sweep over the Cardinals which they have not had since May 13-15, 2011. The Cardinals (46-42) are sitting 3 1/2 behind the Reds (49-38), who are tied with the Pirates (49-39), in the NL Cent. The Cardinals need this win to stay afloat, recoup their strength “in numbers”. Next up ~ they go to Milwaukee and the Brewers have been a test for the Cardinals, also.
So, will this be the night ~ the game ~ for the Reds to change the date on sweeping the Cardinals. Only time will tell and we’ll see when the “fat lady sings” just which team is ahead.
To everyone ~ have a great evening. I, of course, will watch my Cardinals ~ good, bad or indifferent, still have to support them all the way! Always ~ Elichap
Cardinal_Fan.Elichap 