5-3 is a popular score for the Cardinals and Houston, the final for the 2 nd straight day, this time in favor of the Cardinals.  Anthony Reyes may have this bullpen thing figured out.  He pitched three scoreless innings in relief, and Troy Glaus broke the 3-3 tie in the 8 th with a two run double deep to right center.

I questioned whether or not Anthony Reyes could adjust from being a starter to working relief before the season started, but Reyes had no choice if he wanted a spot on the roster.

He passed another test yesterday coming on in relief in the 5 th inning to throw three scoreless innings and hold the Astros until Troy Glaus could put the Cardinals up in the 8 th inning with a two out-two run double.

Tony LaRussa said without his performance, the Cards don’t win.  Reyes was reaching 93 mph with his fastball and hit 94 a couple of times.

I know Tony LaRussa likes Brad Thompson’s versatility, but I think once Joel Pineiro comes back, Thompson should join Reyes in the bullpen.  Thompson threw just 85 pitches and had to leave after four innings.  He stumbled in the third, giving up two doubles and a walk after getting the first two men out and had to leave for a pinch hitter in the 5 th .  Over the long season, you can’t have a pitcher giving you four innings and 85 pitches.  If Thompson returns to the bullpen, I expect Kelvin Jimenez who pitched just one inning this year and gave up a home run to be sent down.

Glaus picked up his 5 th RBI of the season and Skip Schumaker broke an 0 for 18 season starting slump by hitting a triple in his first at bat.