Another day in New York, more of the same.
What is there to be said about this game? The Cardinals apparently can’t handle the motivation (they can stick the pressure) of facing a former Cy Young winner.
Last time it was Cliff Lee doing damage versus the Cardinal lineup, and today, save for a couple of rough innings early and a lot of pitches, Johan Santana was almost as in control as Lee versus our Redbirds.
Albert Pujols came to bat with the bases loaded again, only this time he was finally retired, the first such occasion in the 2009 season. His belt to left field was contained by the massive confines of Citi Field (it wouldn’t have gone anywhere in any park, but folks talk about the size of Citi – why not monopolize that?).
Random
Happy to see the Cardinals actually see a lot of pitches versus Santana today. The Cardinal lineup forced the Mets’ starting pitcher into many pitches early, which likely could’ve chased him in the fifth or sixth inning, had Santana not settled down and the Cardinals not settled back into their routine of swinging early and often in counts.
I know Hal McRae preaches that the first strike may be the only one you see in the at-bat. I understand the philosophy and greater approach. I just don’t agree with it. Take a pitch. Once. RYAN LUDWICK – I am looking at you. Want to get your swing on track? Maybe see some pitches. Maybe you should’ve gone on that rehab assignment that you reportedly refused. Maybe you should swing at three straight (arguably) chump breaking balls outside of the zone.
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Ludwick reached base again tonight on catcher’s interference. That’s the third time this season (for three in his career). Two have come against the Mets. Is Ludwick in the wrong spot in the batter’s box, or do the Met catchers love to crowd the backside of the plate?
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Hitters are successful at a .167 rate versus Chris Carpenter after he has thrown a first strike. 19 of 26 first pitches thrown by Carp today found the strike zone.
Tomorrow
Things don’t get any easier with the Minnesota Twins coming to town. The Twins are fresh off of taking two of three from the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee. We’ll see Adam Wainwright versus Glen Perkins tomorrow night at 7:15p CT.
The Twins have beaten up the NL Central in Interleague play, while the Cardinals have ensured themselves the first winning Interleague record since 2005 with 8 wins logged already.
Go Cards!
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