The Cardinals, as they have done so often this year, rallied to tie the game up at two in the top of the 7 th , only to have the bullpen fold again in a 4-2 loss.  Some slack could be cut to the bullpen; they did in fact have to pitch virtually the entire game.

Brad Thompson came out of the pen after start Mulder exited after a third of an inning, to pitch 4.1 innings allowing two runs.  Mulder struck out Phillies lead off hitter Jimmy Rollins, then walked the next two batters.  It was on that strike out pitch to Rollins when Mulder felt his shoulder go.  That’s probably the last time you’ll see Mark Mulder pitch. 

The Cardinals tied the game in the 7 th on a sac fly by Pujols and a single by Glaus, but in the bottom of the 8 th , Ryan Howard hit his 25 th home run of the year leading off the inning against Kyle McClellan.  Chris Perez came on and surrendered a solo shot to Pedro Feliz.

Brad Lidge, who resurrected his career in Philly, faced his nemesis Albert Pujols with one on and one out and got Pujols to fly to right on a 2-0 pitch.  Lidge then got Ankiel to strike out. 

The Cardinals drop 4.5 back of Chicago while holding a half game lead over Milwaukee for the wild card.  Tony LaRussa talks about his conversation with Mulder and insists this team will not quit.

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