The Cardinals finally accomplished something last night that they had failed to do all season - win back-to-back games at home. Sparked by Skip Schumaker’s three hits and a bullpen that allowed just one run in five and two-thirds innings, the Birds came from behind to beat the Reds 7-5 at Busch Stadium.
Schumaker learned of his responsibilities in left field about 15 minutes before first pitch. Chris Duncan was the scheduled starter, but he suffered a head injury at his apartment that required stitches.
So in stepped Schumaker.
His career-high three hits and two RBI sparked what had been a dormant offense for much of this season. The Redbirds pounded out 15 hits on the night, and featured six different players who scored a run.
The only negative in an otherwise productive evening was starting pitcher Randy Keisler, who could not avoid giving up the long-ball. In his three and a third innings of work, he gave up six hits – two of which were home runs.
His bullpen kept it close though, and gave the offense time to produce. Brad Thompson, Russ Springer, Ryan Franklin and Jason Isringhausen combined to allow just one run in the final five and two-third innings.
AUDIO: Tony La Russa — Skip Schumaker — Randy Keisler — Adam Kennedy (1:27 MP3)
