After he was moved from fourth to second in the batting order, Ryan Ludwick drove in all three runs Thursday night to cap off a three game series against the Florida Marlins with a 3-0 win.
Ludwick hit a line drive to the wall in left field for a double that brought in Cesar Izturis for a score during the third inning. Later, in the seventh, Ludwick hit a pitch that was low and inside off of Florida’s left-hander Scott Olsen out of the park for his 30 homerun and 90 RBI of the season.
"(I was) strictly trying to stay on top of the ball and hit a line drive," Ludwick says of his homerun.
Ludwick’s offensive fireworks were assisted by sound pitching from Todd Wellemeyer, who allowed only three hits on the night.
"I think it was the best it’s been. I threw it when I wanted it and kept it out of the middle of the zone." Wellemeyer says.
His best effort was appreciated by his partner behind the plate,
"Definitely one of his best. He was throwing strikes. Any time he can throw his fastball and breaking ball like that, he’s going to do well." Catcher Yadier Molina says.
Wellemeyer walked four and struck out three in seven innings before being relieved by Russ Springer.
Opening pitch for the Cardinal’s next game is at 6:10 p.m. in Cincinnati against the Reds.