More times than not, when your starting pitcher goes seven shut out innings, you expect your team to win. That’s what Adam Wainwright did last night against Colorado, but the bullpen fell apart in a four run 8th inning and the Rockies win 4-3.
Wainwright allowed just four hits and two walks while striking out three who left with a 3-0 lead as the Cardinals scored off Rockies starter Jeff Francis who gave up the three runs in five innings of work.
Ryan Ludwick, swinging a hot bat got the start again last night and hit a solo home run in the 5th. He had two hits and is now batting .356, plus he drove in a run in the first. Rick Ankiel added a two out RBI hit and the Cards quickly gave Wainwright a 2-0 lead.
It all fell apart in the bottom of the 8th. Kyle McClellan gave up a run on a Matt Holliday triple. Randy Flores got Todd Helton to pop up for a second out, but he walked Garrett Atkins, prompting to bring in Jason Isringhausen with runners on 1st and 3rd and two out. Izzy gave up a single to Brad Hawpe and a triple to Chris Iannetta and just like that the Cardinals closer blows the save.
LaRussa may have out-thunk himself when Rockies manager lifted Brad Hawpe for pinch hitter Ryan Spilborghs. That’s when Tony went righty vs. righty and it cost him. It’s always easy to second guess, but up 3-1 with the tying run still on first, I would have given Flores one more chance to get Spilborghs, before calling on Izzy, but like I said hindsight is always 20-20.
