If Chris Carpenter wanted to retire right now, he’d probably have a good future in firefighting. The reigning National League Cy Young winner extinguished the scorching Braves offense in an 8-3 Cardinals win, Wednesday.

Carpenter had the hose, and the water was courtesy of a two hour rain delay that damaged portions of Busch Stadium. Once play resumed, Carpenter showed why he’s regarded as one the league’s best pitchers, throwing seven solid innings giving up two runs on five hits. The feat looks even greater considering Atlanta came into the game winners of six straight and scored at least 10 runs in five straight.

The Cardinals were the team with the explosive offense in this one. Scott Rolen hit a sacrifice fly and Jim Edmonds hit a three-run homer in the third inning that capped the first of two four-run innings. St. Louis struck again in the fifth with RBI from Rolen, Juan Encarnacion, Hector Luna, and Carpenter.

Brian McCann homered for the Braves and Chipper Jones was 2-for-4 extending his hitting streak to 19 games.

Despite two lopsided losses by the Cardinals to begin the series, St. Louis has won eight of their last 10 games.

Related web sites:
Cardinals Official Website