Morris Battered As Cards Lose

The Cardinals lost their fourth straight in a 9-4 loss to the Dodgers. Matt Morris was pummeled for five runs in the first inning. Morris was eventually charged with six runs and the loss, dropping to 8-6 on the season. Since throwing back-to-back shutouts in May, Morris has gone 2-3 with three no decisions. He’s allowed 37 earned runs in the eight starts and his ERA has risen from 2.26 to 4.19. The offense didn’t help Morris’ cause on Thursday, stranding eleven runners on base. Scott Rolen was the most productive, going 3-5 and driving in three runs. Rolen his it 18th home run of the season in the first inning. Albert Pujols, who was one for his last twelve coming into the game, was 2-4 with an RBI. Pujols leads the National League with 82 RBI’s. With the loss, the Cardinals dropped another game in the National League Central standings; they are two games behind the Astros. Chicago is tied with St. Louis for second place.