Brad Thompson’s spot start in place of the injured Chris Carpenter worked out as well as the Cardinals could have hoped. The right-hander tossed five innings of three-run ball to lead St. Louis past the Reds 5-3 Friday night.
Carpenter was placed on the 15-day Disabled List Friday morning with a posterior strain of his throwing shoulder. Thompson (5-2) did not miss a beat, scattering three hits and walking one to claim his fifth victory of the season.
The Cards received a big lift and an early lead from Rick Ankiel, who homered off Reds starter Homer Bailey in the first inning to give his team a 2-0 advantage. It was Ankiel’s first home run in three weeks.
Chris Perez worked the ninth to earn his 4th save of the season.
