Two days ago it was guys like Brad Thompson and Nick Stavinoha who stepped up for the Cardinals. Thursday night it was the team leaders who came up big in the 3-1 win over the Reds.
First, I’ll start with Chris Carpenter. He went the distance giving up just one run on three hits. He kept the ball down and his off speed pitches were just nasty. The one run came on a home run from Laynce Nix. Where did this guy come from? He knocked the Cardinals around this series. He was 6 for 13 with three homers and eight runs driven in.
Carpenter is 4-0 with a 0.71 ERA. He got his offensive support from Albert Pujols who waiting for Aaron Harang to come right at the Cardinal hitters. Pujols doubled in a run in the sixth to put the Cards up 3-0 after he gave them the lead in the third with his 17th home run of the season.
LaRussa, Pujols, and Carp comment on last night’s pitching gem.
The Cardinals get set for a weekend series with last place Colorado. They’ve made some roster moves that will affect the pitching staff. First, Kyle Lohse was placed on the disabled list with Brad Thompson taking his spot in the rotation. Put any trade possibilities on hold until Lohse comes back. St. Louis called up pitcher Jess Todd and designated Blaine Boyer for assignment. Plus good new from Joel Pineiro. He showed no signs of back issues in his bullpen session. He’ll start on Sunday.
