Chris Carpenter left Tuesday’s night game in Arizona with a strained ribcage.  The Arizona Diamondbacks rallied to take the lead, then win the game in extra innings 7-6. 

Justin Upton scored from third on a single by Eric Byrnes off reliever Brad Thompson in the bottom of the 10th inning for the win.  This came after the Cardinals tied the game in the 9th off D-Backs reliever Chad Qualls. 

Down 6-4, the Cardinals managed to tie when Albert Pujols singled in a run with the bases loaded on one out.  St. Louis had a great chance to take the lead, but Qualls struck out Rick Ankiel and Brendan Ryan. 

The Cards led 4-3 in the bottom of the 8th when Conner Jackson launched a three run homer off Josh Kinney.  I see a couple of major issues already this short season.  First, Rick Ankiel isn’t hitting.  He’s got a .185 average.  Manager Tony LaRussa said he expected Ankiel to be a better hitter and so far we’re not seeing the results we saw from him in spring training.  Second, the bullpen looks like it may have some issues.  Jason Motte gave up another run and the bullpen blew it’s second save opportunity of the season.

I haven’t even gotten to Chris Carpenter yet.  He was cruising along three innings of shut out ball when he had to leave after with a strained left rib cage.  (Click here for more) .  He’ll be looked at by team doctors on Wednesday.  Carpenter gave up two hits and struck out four in his three innings of work.

Former Missouri Tiger and 2005 Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Max Scherzer was making his second consecutive start against his hometown team.  Scherzer, the St. Louis area native last started on September 24th at Busch Stadium and went five innings in taking the loss.

On Tuesday, Scherzer gave up three runs in the 4th inning and got a no-decision while going five innings.



Chris Carpenter raw locker room feed