Redbirds Clubhouse

Cardinals finish 2008 with 6th win in a row

Sun 9/28/08 - Cards 11 Reds 4 - The 2008 Cardinals closed out the season with another offensive outburst. They pounded out 13 hits, seven for extra bases. Last minute starter Brad Thompson enjoyed an 11 run lead entering the fourth inning and rode it to his sixth victory of the season. The game provided a happy ending to a season that surprised even the most optimistic St. Louis fans.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

2008 Season Complete

St. Louis (86-76)

Redbird Notes:

• The Cardinals drew 3,432,917 fans to Busch Stadium this season.


Editor's Note:

Thank you for visiting my website this summer. It has been a labor of love to document the 2008 season. Please stop by in the offseason for regular updates and other special surprises from Redbirds Clubhouse as we prepare for a run to the World Series in 2009!

Bombs away! Cardinal homers sink Reds

Sat 9/27/08 - Cards 8 Reds 5 - The Cardinals continued their productive hitting, pounding out 13 hits and scoring eight runs to defeat Cincinnati. The long ball played a significant role - Troy Glaus, Albert Pujols and Felipe Lopez all homered for the Cardinals. Todd Wellemeyer added to his career high win total notching win number 13 with 6 2/3 innings of work.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Sunday's Game

Cincinnati (74-87) @ St. Louis (85-76), 6:15 pm

Adam Pettyjohn (0-0, 4.50) vs. Kyle Lohse (15-6, 3.78)

Redbird Notes:

• Albert Pujols reached another milestone last night when he scored his 100th run. In 2008, Pujols recorded 100 runs, 100 walks, and 100 RBIs.
• Saturday's win was the team's fifth in a row, matching a season high.
• The Cardinals named RHP Jess Todd (AAA Memphis) and OF Daryl Jones (AA Springfield) as the organization's minor league players of the year for 2008.

Redbird News Links:

An in depth look ahead to the offseason with STL Post's Joe Strauss: Click HERE to read full story

Happy ending to another blown save

Fri 9/26/08 - Cards 7 Reds 6 - The final series of the season started in a theme all too familiar to Cardinal fans in 2008. The Birds (who are finally hitting again) carried a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth and handed the game to Ryan Franklin. Unfortunately, the bullpen suffered yet another blown save when pinch hitter Javier Valentine whacked a two out, two run home run to tie the game. Happily, the Cardinals pulled this one out in the bottom of the ninth when Troy Glaus hit a sacrifice fly to score Felipe Lopez with the winning run.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Saturday's Game

Cincinnati (74-86) @ St. Louis (84-76), 6:15 pm

Aaron Harang (6-16, 4.72) vs. Todd Wellemeyer (12-9, 3.69)

Redbird Notes:

• The Cardinals have a 14-12 record vs. teams headed for the 2008 playoffs. They were 2-1 against Boston & Tampa Bay, 4-2 against the Dodgers, 6-8 against the Cubbies.
• St. Louis has a record of 75-18 this season when they score more than three runs.
• Albert Pujols leads the team with 39 multi-hit games. Skip Schumaker is second with 35.

Redbird News Links:

Redbirds Clubhouse believes Tony LaRussa had a fantastic season leading the 2008 Cardinals. Here is a different point of view: Click HERE to read full story

Offensive explosion propels Cardinals

Thu 9/25/08 - Cards 12 Diamondbacks 3 - The Cardinals rattled the bat rack Thursday afternoon and unleashed an offensive onslaught rarely seen during the September stretch run. The result was a 12-3 victory that eliminated the Diamondbacks from contention in the NL West. Felipe Lopez, Albert Pujols, and Ryan Ludwick led the charge combining for eight hits and eight RBIs. Sevens were wild for Joel Pineiro on the afternoon as he evened his record to 7-7 with seven strong innings and seven strikeouts.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Friday's Game

Cincinnati (74-85) @ St. Louis (83-76), 7:15 pm

Bronson Arroyo (15-11, 4.66) vs. Braden Looper (12-14, 4.13)

Redbird Notes:

• Fans at yesterday's game may not have realized they witnessed a first in MLB history when Arizona 3B Mark Reynolds set a record by striking out for the 200th time this season.
• St. Louis finished the season by winning 10 of their last 14 games against NL West clubs.

Redbird News Links:

Article about the new sports talk station (WMVN 101.1) set to debut in St. Louis Jan. 1: Click HERE to read full story

Ragtag lineup tops Diamondbacks

Wed 9/24/08 - Cards 4 Diamondbacks 2 - With a curious lineup that resembled something from a split squad game in spring training, the Cardinals hustled, took advantage of Arizona errors, pieced together four runs, and then held on for the 4-2 victory. Adam Wainwright was not exactly sharp (5 walks issued) but he pitched well enough to earn his 11th win. The relief corps of Villone, Springer, Motte, and Franklin were nearly flawless, giving up just one his over three innings and striking out four.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Thursday's Game

Arizona (79-79) @ St. Louis (82-76), 1:15 pm

Doug Davis (6-8, 4.25) vs. Joel Pineiro (6-7, 5.21)

Redbird Notes:

• The Diamondbacks are one game (either a Dodger win or an Arizona loss) from elimination in the NL West.
• After another successful outing last night, rookie Jason Motte has pitched nine innings and struck out 15 while issuing only one walk. For the season (including 63 games at Memphis AAA) he has struck out 125 batters in 75 2/3 innings.

Redbird News Links:

Fun stuff about the Cardinals at Yankee Stadium by Derrick Goold of the STL Post: Click HERE to read full story

Cards down Diamondbacks - Lohse wins 15th

Tue 9/23/08 - Cards 7 Diamondbacks 4 - Late spring acquisition Kyle Lohse won his team leading 15th game with a solid six inning performance in Tuesday's victory. Ryan Ludwick hit his career high 35th home run off Randy Johnson in the first inning to give the Cards a crooked number in the first.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Wednesday's Game

Arizona (79-78) @ St. Louis (81-76), 7:15 pm

Max Scherzer (0-3, 3.00) vs. Adam Wainwright (10-3, 3.21)

Redbird Notes:

• The Cardinals were officially eliminated from the Wild Card race on Tuesday night as a result of the NY Mets victory over the Cubs.
• Albert Pujols was walked for the 100th time last night, the first time in his career he has reached that mark.
• Tonight's starting pitcher for Arizona is rookie Max Scherzer, a St. Louis native who attended Parkway Central high school and the University of Missouri.

Redbird News Links:

The latest information about the nerve condition in Chris Carpenter's arm: Click HERE to read full story

Diamondback's Webb defeats Cards for 22nd win

Mon 9/22/08 - Diamondbacks 4 Cards 2 - A dreadful September got no better on Monday when the Cardinals faced Cy Young candidate Brandon Webb. His performance was typical - 12 ground ball outs and six strikeouts over seven innings. Felipe Lopez and Cesar Izturis each had three hits for the Cardinals, but neither was able to cross the plate.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Tuesday's Game

Arizona (79-77) @ St. Louis (80-76), 7:15 pm

Randy Johnson (10-9, 3.99) vs. Kyle Lohse (14-6, 3.76)

Redbird Notes:

• Cardinal doctors found no damage when they reviewed the MRI of Chris Carpenter's shoulder. He will be referred to a nerve specialist for further examination.

Redbird News Links:

David Eckstein returns to St Louis as a Diamondback second baseman: Click HERE to read full story

Cubs defeat Cards in finale of 2-7 road trip

Sun 9/21/08 - Cubs 5 Cards 1 - The Cardinals scored first in the opening inning but never crossed the plate again. Braden Looper once again suffered the hard luck loss, this time mostly due to a lack of offense. The Cards return to St. Louis for their final home stand of the year beginning Monday against Arizona.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Monday's Game

Arizona (78-77) @ St. Louis (80-75), 7:15 pm

Brandon Webb (21-7, 3.26) vs. Todd Wellemeyer (12-8, 3.66)

Redbird Notes:

• Yadier Molina's brother Jose hit the final home run in Yankee Stadium history on Sunday night. New York will move to its new ballpark across the street in 2009.
• During the past week, Manny Ramirez (Dodgers), Ryan Howard (Phillies), and Derek Lee (Cubs) have all suggested Albert Pujols deserves to be the NL MVP this season.

Redbird News Links:

Arizona's Brandon Webb (Monday night's starting pitcher) is in the running for Cy Young consideration: Click HERE to read full story

Cubs win, clinch NL Central title

Sat 9/20/08 - Cubs 5 Cards 4 - Troy Glaus hit his 25th home run of the season to spark a four run sixth inning rally, but the Cubs survived the inning with their lead intact and went on to win the game. In the process, they clinched their second straight NL Central title.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Sunday's Game

St. Louis (80-74) @ Chicago (93-60), 1:20 pm

Braden Looper (12-13, 4.06) vs. Ryan Dempster (16-6, 3.02)

Redbird Notes:

• During his nine year career with Atlanta, St. Louis, and Chicago, Jason Marquis has never been on a team that did not make the playoffs.
• Yadier Molina is still hurting from a thigh bruise suffered in a collision at the plate during the last Cubs-Cards series in St. Louis.
• On this day in 1934, Cardinals hurler Daffy Dean pitched a no-hitter against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the second game of a double header. His brother Dizzy threw a two hit shutout in the first game. After Daffy's gem, Dizzy was quoted as saying "If I'da known he was gonna throw one, I'da thrown one too".

Redbird News Links:

More info about the Cardinals potential purchase of the Memphis Redbirds: Click HERE to read full story

Cards pound Zambrano and Cubs

Fri 9/19/08 - Cards 12 Cubs 6 - Fresh off his no-hitter against Houston, the Cubs Carlos Zambrano didn't make it out of the second inning as the Cardinals jumped out to an 8-0 lead. Adam Kennedy lead the hit parade by blasting a one out grand slam in the first inning. He would finish the day 4-5 with 5 RBIs. Adam Wainwright was the recipient of the offensive outburst and he picked up his tenth victory of the season with five innings of work.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Saturday's Game

St. Louis (80-73) @ Chicago (92-60), 3:55 pm

Joel Pineiro (6-6, 5.24) vs. Ted Lilly (15-9, 4.13)

Redbird Notes:

• LHP Randy Flores is unavailable because of a sore shoulder.
• Congratulations to Joel Pineiro on the new additions (Fabian and Adrian) to his family.
• Cubs catcher Geovany Soto is considered day to day because of a sore left hand.

Redbird News Links:

News about the "Bud House" across from Wrigley Field: Click HERE to read full story

Streak ends - Cards hold off Reds

Thu 9/18/08 - Cards 5 Reds 4 - The seven game losing streak finally ended as the Cardinals squeaked by the Reds 5-4. Albert Pujols put the Cardinals on top with a three run home run in the third inning and Kyle Lohse kept them in front with a strong 6 2/3 inning performance. Jason Motte earned his first career save by getting the final out with two men on base.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Friday's Game

St. Louis (79-73) @ Chicago (92-59), 1:20 pm

Adam Wainwright (9-3, 3.20) vs. Carlos Zambrano (14-5, 3.41)

Redbird Notes:

• Aaron Miles has played every position except first base and catcher this season.
• Albert Pujols is on track to lead the team in hitting for the eighth straight season. Both Stan Musial (1946-52) and Rogers Hornsby (1919-25) led the team in hitting seven seasons in a row.
• The Cubs have a chance to clinch the NL Central this weekend against the Cardinals. Their magic number is two.

Redbird News Links:

Adam Kennedy has asked to be traded: Click HERE to read full story

Cincinnati shuts out Cards

Wed 9/17/08 - Reds 3 Cards 0 - The Cardinals lost their seventh straight game last night when they were shut out by Aaron Harang on six hits. The only scoring in the game came in the fourth inning when the Reds hit three solo home runs off Todd Wellemeyer.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Thursday's Game

St. Louis (78-73) @ Cincinnati (70-81), 6:10 pm

Kyle Lohse (13-6, 3.80) vs. Edinson Volquez (16-5, 3.22)

Redbird Notes:

• The current losing streak of seven games is the longest in 2008. In 2007, the Cards lost nine in a row from Sept. 7 thru Sept. 15.
• St. Louis has scored just 17 runs during the losing streak.

Redbird News Links:

Here is a look at the St. Louis Cardinals 2009 schedule: Click HERE to read full story

Reds hand Cardinals sixth straight loss

Tue 9/16/08 - Reds 7 Cards 2 - The Reds and starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo kept the Cardinals on a downward spiral Tuesday in Cincinnati. Arroyo was never really challenged as he gave up just five hits over seven innings and left the game with a 4-2 lead. The Reds tacked on three more runs in the eighth to ice the game. The Cardinal loss combined with Chicago's victory means the Cards are officially eliminated from the NL Central race.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Wednesday's Game

St. Louis (78-72) @ Cincinnati (69-81), 6:10 pm

Todd Wellemeyer (12-7, 3.63) vs. Aaron Harang (4-16, 4.96)

Redbird Notes:

• Chris Carpenter will have his shoulder evaluated on Friday.
• Rick Ankiel will undergo surgery today for a sports hernia .
• Yadier Molina is still hobbled by a deep thigh bruise .

Redbird News Links:

St. Louis Cardinals begin the process of purchasing the Memphis Redbirds: Click HERE to read full story

Pirates sweep sinking Cardinals

Sun 9/14/08 - Pirates 7 Cards 2 - The Pirates jumped on spot starter Brad Thompson for six runs in the first two innings and were never challanged as they cruised to a weekend sweep of the Cardinals. The Redbirds missed a prime opportunity to gain ground in the wild card race because the Milwaukee Brewers were also swept over the weekend by the Phillies.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Tuesday's Game

St. Louis (78-71) @ Cincinnati (68-81), 6:10 pm

Braden Looper (12-12, 4.02) vs. Bronson Arroyo (14-10, 4.65)

Redbird Notes:

• Last week, former Cardinal Kip Wells signed a one year contract to pitch for the K.C. Royals after being released by the Colorado Rockies.
• Yesterday the Batavia Muckdogs won the Class A - NY Penn League title.

Redbird News Links:

Some famous players have taken the mound during times of trouble: Click HERE to read full story

Pirates win in 12 innings

Sat 9/13/08 - Pirates 7 Cards 6 - The Cardinals jumped out to an early 6-2 lead, but the Pirates bounced back against an ineffective Adam Wainwright to tie the score in the fourth inning. From that point forward, the bullpens took over and posted zeroes for both clubs. The Pirates finally broke through in the 12th and won the game on an RBI double by Brandon Moss.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Sunday's Game

St. Louis (78-70) @ Pittsburgh (62-86), 12:35 pm

Brad Thompson (5-2, 4.61) vs. Jason Davis (1-4, 5.90)

Redbird Notes:

• Last night's loss was the team's 10th loss in the past 14 games. A 9-5 record during those games would have put the Cards in a tie for the wild card.
• The Cards are 6-12 in extra inning games in 2008 and have endured 13 walk-off losses this season.
• Every Cardinal farm team except for the Gulf Coast rookie team finished above .500 in 2008.

Redbird News Links:

STL Post story - looking ahead to the off season with John Mozeliak: Click HERE to read full story

Buccos drub Birds on a rainy Friday night

Fri 9/12/08 - Pirates 10 Cards 2 - The start of Friday night's game in Pittsburgh was delayed 1:13 by rain, and in retrospect a rainout might not have been a bad thing after all. With a lineup that looked like something out of Jupiter (Florida, that is) the Birds fell to the Pirates 10-2. Bucs hurler Paul Maholm had the Cardinals pounding the ball into the wet turf all night, collecting 17 ground ball outs during eight innings of work. OF Nate McClouth supplied most of the offense with a 2B, 3B, HR and 5 RBI.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Saturday's Game

St. Louis (78-69) @ Pittsburgh (61-86), 6:05 pm

Adam Wainwright (9-3, 2.85) vs. Jeff Karstens (2-5, 4.46)

Redbird Notes:

• On Friday, the Cardinals reported that Rick Ankiel will not play again during 2008 and will most likely undergo surgery for a sports hernia in the offseason.
• The 250,000th home run in major league history was hit by Detroit DH Gary Sheffield on Sept. 8. Click HERE to read more
• Cardinals recent W-L records in September: 2005 (15-13); 2006 (12-17); 2007 (13-18); 2008 (4-5).

Redbird News Links:

Interesting article about the seven best prospects in the Cardinal farm system: Click HERE to read full story

Good defense helps Cubs win

Thu 9/11/08 - Cubs 3 Cards 2 - A diving play by left fielder Alfonso Soriano and a back against the wall catch by right fielder Kosuke Fukudome snuffed an eighth inning Cardinals rally and helped the Cubs take the series with a 3-2 victory. In several respects, the Cardinals defeated themselves with a defensive lapse (Pujols error on a double play ball in the fifth), a base running mistake (Ryan slid off the bag at third in the ninth inning), and a lack of clutch hitting (1-10 with runners in scoring position).

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Friday's Game

St. Louis (78-68) @ Pittsburgh (60-86), 6:05 pm

Brad Thompson (5-2, 4.61) vs. Paul Maholm (8-8, 3.74)

Redbird Notes:

• Albert Pujols reached the 100 RBI mark for the eighth time in eight years, becoming just the third major league player (Al Simmons, Ted Williams) to accomplish the feat.
• Cardinal starting pitchers have compiled a 2.13 ERA during the month of September.
• Chris Carpenter continues to experience soreness in his shoulder and is unlikely to pitch for the rest of this season.

Redbird News Links:

The Memphis Redbirds will continue as the AAA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals: Click HERE to read full story

Big second inning boosts Cubs past Cards

Wed 9/10/08 - Cubs 4 Cards 3 - Cards starter Braden Looper did his best to battle through a series of bloop hits and miscues behind him in the second inning, but the shoddy fielding led to four runs (three unearned) and put the Cards in a 4-0 hole early. That turned out to be all the offense Cubs starter Ted Lilly needed as he cruised through eight innings to his 14th win. Ryan Ludwick made it interesting with a two run homer in the ninth off Cubs closer Kerry Wood, but the next two batters went down quietly to end the game.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Thursday's Game

Chicago (87-58) @ St. Louis (78-67), 7:15 pm

Rich Harden (9-2, 1.99) vs. Todd Wellemeyer (12-6, 3.74)

Redbird Notes:

• This is the first time the Cardinals have been in fourth place in September since 1999.
• The Cardinals walking wounded now includes Rick Ankiel (abdominal strain), Troy Glaus (strained shoulder) and Yadier Molina (deep thigh bruise).
• On September 10, 1963 Stan Musial became the first grandfather in MLB history to hit a home run.

Redbird News Links:

Welcome back to Josh Kinney who appeared in his first major league game since October 2006: Click HERE to read full story

Albert does it again - Cards beat Cubs

Tue 9/9/08 - Cards 4 Cubs 3 - Albert Pujols continued his torrid hitting by connecting for a three run home run to tie the game in the sixth inning. The Cardinal bullpen held the Cubs scoreless through the final 3 2/3 innings until the bottom of the order came up big in the last half of the ninth. Cesar Izturis hit a chopper up the middle to score pinch runner Brendan Ryan with the winning run.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Wednesday's Game

Chicago (86-58) @ St. Louis (78-66), 7:15 pm

Ted Lilly (13-9, 4.43) vs. Braden Looper (12-11, 4.09)

Redbird Notes:

• During a television interview at his charity golf event on Monday, Albert Pujols said he is considering surgery after the season to repair a ligament in his right elbow.
• The Cardinals activated OF Brian Barton from the 15 day disabled list on Tuesday.

Redbird News Links:

Yesterday we questioned the whereabouts of Chris Carpenter who had not pitched since September 2 against Arizona. Today, we learned the answer: Click HERE to read full story

Wainwright spectacular in Cards victory

Sun 9/7/08 - Cards 3 Marlins 1 - Adam Wainwright was at the top of his game on Sunday when he held the visiting Marlins to just one run over eight innings. The home team offense remained somewhat quiet, but Albert Pujols' two run home run in the first gave the Cards a lead and they never trailed again. Chris Perez bounced back from two blown saves and recorded the last two outs in the ninth to notch his seventh save.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Tuesday's Game

Chicago (86-57) @ St. Louis (77-66), 7:15 pm

Ryan Dempster (15-6, 2.99) vs. Kyle Lohse (13-6, 3.76)

Redbird Notes:

• Tuesday will be Kyle Lohse's team high 30th start.
• Where is Chris Carpenter? His last appearance was one inning on Sept. 2 vs. Arizona.
• The bullpen of 2008 stats - 20-30, 437.1 IP, 465 Hits, 203 BB, 328 K, 49 HR, 4.34 ERA, 38 saves in 68 opportunities (56%).

Redbird News Links:

Albert homers (again!) on "Buddy Walk" day: Click HERE to read full story

Wellemeyer, Pujols send Cards home happy

Sat 9/6/08 - Cards 5 Marlins 3 - The Cardinals bounced back from Friday night's disappointing extra inning loss to beat the Marlins on strong pitching from Todd Wellemeyer. The ever present Albert Pujols also put his signature on the game with a first inning two run home run, clever base running in the sixth that led to the go ahead run, and a Gold Glove scoop of a low throw to record the game's final out.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Sunday's Game

Florida (72-70) @ St. Louis (76-66), 1:15 pm

Josh Johnson (4-0, 3.25) vs. Adam Wainwright (8-3, 2.97)

Redbird Notes:

• On Mon. Sept. 8, The Country Club at St Albans will host the 6th annual Albert Pujols Family Foundation celebrity golf tournament.
• The 2008 Cardinals appear to like Wednesdays (14-7 record) and Saturdays (15-7), but not Thursdays (6-13).
• The Cardinals record when they score first is 53-28. Their record when the opponent scores first is 23-38.

Redbird News Links:

According to the Baseball Reference website, Major League Baseball's 250,000th home run will probably occur sometime today (Sun. Sept 7, 2008): Click HERE to read full story

No offense + blown save = Marlins win

Fri 9/5/08 - Marlins 4 Cards 1 - With one away in the ninth inning, Cardinal fans were tingling with excitement. Clinging to a one run lead, rookie Chris Perez was about to finish off a gem of a game - Braden Looper and Russ Springer had shut down the powerful Marlins on just four hits. One fastball over the middle changed everything when Mike Jacobs drilled his 29th home run to tie the game and give the Cards bullpen their major league leading 30th blown save. Two innings later, the Marlins scored three and handed the Birds their sixth loss in the last seven games.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Saturday's Game

Florida (72-69) @ St. Louis (75-66), 6:15 pm

Scott Olsen (6-9, 4.35) vs. Todd Wellemeyer (11-6, 3.76)

Redbird Notes:

• Former Cardinal Anthony Reyes left last night's start against the Royals in the third inning with elbow soreness.
• Jason Motte's appearance on Wednesday made him the 11th Cardinal to make his major league debut this season.
• According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Rick Ankiel is just the second player in major league history to have a career that included a season with 25 pitching starts and a season with 25 home runs. The other player? Babe Ruth.

Redbird News Links:

Rick Hummel of the STL Post interviews Mark McGwire ten years after his record breaking home run: Click HERE to read full story

Arizona's late inning comeback beats Birds

Wed 9/3/08 - Diamondbacks 4 Cards 3 - Through six innings, it appeared the Cardinals six game road trip would end on a high note. Kyle Lohse was shutting down the Diamondbacks on five hits while striking out seven and Troy Glaus had hit his 300th career home run. However, the most familiar theme of 2008 came to pass once again as the bullpen could not hold the lead. Arizona scored two in the seventh off the recently ineffective Kyle McClellan and then sealed the deal with two more runs off rookie Chris Perez in the ninth.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Friday's Game

Florida (71-69) @ St. Louis (75-65), 7:15 pm

Ricky Nolasco (13-7, 3.65) vs. Braden Looper (12-11, 4.27)

Redbird Notes:

• Courtesy of Bernie Miklasz from the STL Post, the Cardinals bullpen numbers for the just completed road trip - 14 IP, 20 hits (10 for extra bases), 28 runners allowed, .333 opponents batting average.
• Chris Carpenter reported no discomfort after throwing an inning Tuesday night.
• Felipe Lopez increased his hitting streak to 11 games on Wednesday, but Yadier Molina's streak ended at 13 games.

Redbird News Links:

Short profile on each of the Cardinal players called up in September: Click HERE to read full story

Wainwright sharp as Cards defeat Diamondbacks

Tue 9/2/08 - Cards 8 Diamondbacks 2 - Adam Wainwright was the star Tuesday night in Arizona. He allowed just three hits over 5 1/3 innings while striking out seven. Wainwright also contributed a big two run double that led to a crooked number in the sixth inning giving the Cardinals an 8-0 lead. Chris Carpenter also saw action in the sixth inning, his first outing since coming off the disabled list with a strained shoulder.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Wednesday's Game

St. Louis (75-64) @ Arizona (70-68), 2:40 pm

Kyle Lohse (13-6, 3.89) vs. Doug Davis (6-8, 4.59)

Redbird Notes:

• Troy Glaus' home run in the third inning was number 299 for his career.
• Yadier Molina extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a home run in the fourth inning.
• Walking wounded - OF Joe Mather will undergo surgery to repair a bone in his wrist on Thursday and LHP Jaime Garcia will likely undergo ligament replacement surgery on his left elbow in the near future.

Redbird News Links:

End of the season recap from the Texas League (AA) Springfield Cardinals: Click HERE to read full story

Diamondback's Drew helps defeat Cards

Mon 9/1/08 - Diamondbacks 8 Cards 6 - In a game dominated by the long ball (four home runs for each team) Arizona's Stephen Drew starred as he hit for the cycle to lead the Diamondbacks to the win. David Eckstein also had a productive return to the NL with a 2-4, 2 RBI performance as Arizona's new second baseman.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Tuesday's Game

St. Louis (74-64) @ Arizona (70-67), 8:40 pm

Adam Wainwright (7-3, 3.04) vs. Yusmeiro Petit (3-3, 2.83)

Redbird Notes:

• Monday was the first time in his career that Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson gave up four home runs in a start.
• After his homer yesterday, Albert Pujols has hit 30 or more home runs in all of his first eight seasons in the big leagues.
• Six players will be promoted from AAA Memphis today - INF Brian Barden, INF Brendan Ryan, RHP Kelvin Jimenez, RHP Jason Motte, RHP Josh Kinney, and C Mark Johnson.

Redbird News Links:

Former Card Scott Rolen has returned from the disabled list in Toronto: Click HERE to read full story

Astros shut out Cardinals, sweep series

Sun 8/31/08 - Astros 3 Cards 0 - The Astros slammed the door on Cardinal hopes of entering September in playoff contention with a 3-0 shut out victory. The victory completed a three game sweep and left the Birds 6.5 games out in the wild card race with 25 games left. Barring an epic collapse by the front runners, the Birds enter the final month of the season in the role of spoiler - nothing more.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Monday's Game

St. Louis @ Arizona, 3:10 pm

Joel Pineiro (6-5, 4.83) vs. Randy Johnson (10-9, 4.02)

Redbird Notes:

• Chris Carpenter will be activated from the disabled list today and will most likely complete the season in the bullpen.
• Yadier Molina extended his hitting streak to 11 games with a single on Sunday.
• Former Redbird David Eckstein was traded to the Diamondbacks on Sunday and will meet up with his old teammates in the series starting today.

Redbird News Links:

Cardinals first round draft pick Brett Wallace chosen as the number one prospect on this week's Baseball America Prospect Hot Sheet : Click HERE to read full story

Astros score six in first inning, beat Cards

Sat 8/30/08 - Astros 8 Cards 5 - The Redbirds jumped out to a quick three run lead Saturday night in Houston when Rick Ankiel slugged a three run home run in the top of the first. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off early as Braden Looper gave up six runs in the bottom of the first. The Cardinals never recovered and dropped the second game of the three game weekend series.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Sunday's Game

St. Louis @ Houston, 1:05 pm

Todd Wellemeyer (11-5, 3.87) vs. Wandy Rodriguez (7-6, 3.94)

Redbird Notes:

• Albert Pujols collected the 1500th hit of his career last night.
• Reliever Josh Kinney is expected to join the team on Tuesday. He has been recovering from elbow surgery and has not pitched in the majors since 2006.
• Yadier Molina has a 10 game hitting streak going into today's game.

Redbird News Links:

Speculation about who the Cardinals will call up in September: Click HERE to read full story

Astros ninth inning homer beats Cards

Fri 8/29/08 - Astros 3 Cards 2 - Kyle Lohse was excellent last night pitching eight innings and giving up just two runs on seven hits. However, Houston pitchers were even more effective, limiting Redbird batters to just five hits on the night. The game's deciding blow came with one out in the bottom of the ninth as Lance Berkman ended the game with a home run off Cardinals reliever Russ Springer.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Saturday's Game

St. Louis @ Houston, 6:05 pm

Braden Looper (12-10, 3.94) vs. Brian Moehler (9-5, 3.99)

Redbird Notes:

• The Cardinals have won all four series against the Astros this year, each after having lost the opening game.
• Skip Schumaker is batting .343 (48 for 140) since the All-Star break.
• The Cardinals lead the NL in hitting during August with a .308 team average.

Redbird News Links:

An update on former Cardinal Anthony Reyes. Since his trade to Cleveland, he is 2-1 with a 2.22 ERA. Tonight he makes his fifth start for the Indians against Seattle: Click HERE to read full story

Late comeback keeps Cards in the race

Wed 8/27/08 - Cards 5 Brewers 3 - Adam Wainwright was his usual ace-like self Wednesday night, but several well placed singles by the Brewers and nine Redbird strikeouts at the plate saw the home team down 3-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth. It was then, in an inspired rally, that the Cardinals scored four runs and handed the game over to rookie Chris Perez. The new "not-officially-a-closer" slammed the door on the Brewers, striking out the heart of their lineup for his sixth save.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Friday's Game

St. Louis @ Houston, 7:05 pm

Kyle Lohse (13-6, 3.96) vs. Randy Wolf (8-11, 4.86)

Redbird Notes:

• Chris Carpenter's bullpen session went as planned yesterday. No word yet on his return to the mound.
• The Cardinals optioned LHP Jaime Garcia to Memphis and called up 1B Josh Phelps. The move left the active roster at 11 pitchers & 14 position players. As of August 31, this ratio will have to be maintained on any potential playoff roster.
• Last night's 2-4 performance at the plate moved Albert Pujols into the lead for the NL batting title with a .357 average.

Redbird News Links:

The Cards score just one run in the first 16 innings of the Brewers series, but Brewers reliever Carlos Villanueva felt it was important to "strike a pose" after retiring Joe Mather with the bases loaded. Good thinking Carlos!: Click HERE to read full story

Brewers manhandle Cards 12-0

Tue 8/26/08 - Brewers 12 Cards 0 - In a game that got uglier as the night wore on, the Brewers showed St. Louis why they are the favorite in the NL Wild card race. Ben Sheets threw six shutout innings and his bullpen added three more zeroes. Meanwhile, the Brew Crew offense banged Cardinal pitchers for 16 hits, six of them for extra bases. It wasn't a good night at Busch Stadium for Redbird fans.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Wednesday's Game

Milwaukee @ St. Louis, 7:15 pm

Manny Parra (10-6, 4.10) vs. Adam Wainwright (7-3, 3.04)

Redbird Notes:

• The Cards are 4-10 (2-6 at home) against Milwaukee in 2008.
• Brian Barton was placed on the 15 day disabled list with a strained right oblique. Nick Stavinoha was called up from Memphis to take his place on the active roster.
• Albert Pujols was named NL player of the week. He went 11-19 with 4 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI.

Redbird News Links:

Former Cardinal Fernando Tatis (remember him?) is enjoying a resurrection with the Mets: Click HERE to read full story

Solid effort nets Cards 2 of 3 from Braves

Sun 8/24/08 - Cards 6 Braves 3 - A very good effort all around led the Cardinals to a win on Sunday. Braden Looper scattered six hits over seven innings and bounced back from a tough second inning to pick up the win. Albert Pujols hit his 28th home run and Brian Barton went 3-3 with 2 RBI. Ryan Ludwick did his part on defense by throwing out Chipper Jones at the plate.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Tuesday's Game

Milwaukee @ St. Louis, 7:15 pm

Ben Sheets (11-7, 3.16) vs. Todd Wellemeyer (11-4, 3.79)

Redbird Notes:

• Albert Pujols remains red hot. Over the past week he is 11-19, 4 2B, 2 HR, 10 RBI.
• Brian Barton left yesterday's game with a strained side and is day to day.
• Chris Carpenter will throw another bullpen session on Wednesday.

Redbird News Links:

Albert Pujols is taking aim at the NL batting title: Click HERE to read full story

Braves bounce back late to beat Birds

Sat 8/23/08 - Braves 8 Cards 4 - A solid start by Kyle Lohse, a home run by Albert Pujols and a scoreless inning of relief by Ron Villone brought the Cardinals into the eighth inning Saturday tied 3-3 with the Braves. Unfortunately, the wheels fell off as the Braves scored five runs in the final two innings to earn another victory from the Cardinal bullpen.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Sunday's Game

Atlanta @ St. Louis, 1:15 pm

Jo-Jo Reyes (3-9, 5.18) vs. Braden Looper (11-10, 3.94)

Redbird Notes:

• The 26 hits on Friday night were the most by a Cardinal team in one game since September 23, 1930 vs. the Philadelphia Phillies.
• Troy Glaus needs two more home runs to join the 300 HR club.
• Adam Wainwright will make his second start since returning from the disabled list on Wednesday against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Redbird News Links:

Jason Isringhausen will consider pitching next season: Click HERE to read full story

Wainwright is back - Birds bombard Braves

Fri 8/22/08 - Cards 18 Braves 3 - A second day off this week obviously agreed with the hometown team. The Cardinal offense welcomed Adam Wainwright back into the rotation with a four run second inning outburst and they continued to post crooked numbers for the rest of the game. Wainwright looked sharp, allowing just one run on five hits in six inning pitched. Joel Pineiro pitched the final three innings to earn his second career save.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Saturday's Game

Atlanta @ St. Louis, 2:55 pm

Jorge Campillo (7-6, 3.29) vs. Kyle Lohse (13-6, 3.94)

Redbird Notes:

• Albert Pujols has been on a tear of late, hitting .500 (10 for 20) with 2 HR and 7 RBI in the past five games.
• Former Cardinal Anthony Reyes is 2-1 with a 2.60 ERA in three starts for the Cleveland Indians.
• Watch for Tony LaRussa, P-D columnist Bernie Miklasz and others at the Bruce Springsteen concert on Saturday night.

Redbird News Links:

Former Redbird David Eckstein is still a class act: Click HERE to read full story

11 runs on rainy night send Pirates packing

Wed 8/20/08 - Cards 11 Pirates 2 - The Cardinal offense woke up Wednesday night and pounded out 13 hits (five for extra bases) during an 11-2 drubbing of the Bucs. A high pitch count led to Todd Wellemeyer's exit in the fifth inning, but the Redbird bullpen performed well, giving up just three hits (and no runs) over the final four innings. Rick Ankiel and Jason LaRue each homered in the game.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Friday's Game

Atlanta @ St. Louis, 7:15 pm

Charlie Morton (3-7, 5.95) vs. Adam Wainwright (6-3, 3.14)

Redbird Notes:

• Kyle Lohse has been suspended five games by MLB for throwing at Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez during Sunday's game. He will appeal the suspension.
• The Cardinals have averaged over six runs per game during their 34 home wins, but have scored just over two runs per game in their 29 home losses .
• RHP Josh Kinney will make his first rehab start Sunday for the Springfield, MO farm club.

Redbird News Links:

Great in depth story about Cardinal legend Stan Musial written by Joe Posnanski of the Kansas City Star: Click HERE to read full story

Bats snooze, Cards lose to Pirates

Tue 8/19/08 - Pirates 4 Cards 1 - Ian Snell ended a personal streak of four poor starts by imitating Cy Young. He dominated the Cardinals with a sharp slider holding them to four hits and striking out eight in seven innings. The Cards did their best to tie the game in the ninth, but Brian Barton struck out with the bases loaded to end the game.

BOX SCORE HERE

GAME STORY HERE

Wednesday's Game

Pittsburgh @ St. Louis, 7:15 pm

Jason Davis (1-2, 1.80) vs. Todd Wellemeyer (10-4, 3.79)

Redbird Notes:

• Troy Glaus has an very good chance to finish the season with a higher fielding percentage and fewer errors that Ken Reitz. Reitz set the team record for 3B with nine errors in 1977 for a .980 fielding percentage - Glaus has committed just five errors this season for a .984 percentage.
• 2008 first round pick Brett Wallace has been promoted to AA Springfield.
• Interesting historical note from Derrick Goold's blog (STL Post) - in 3026 games in his career, Cardinal Hall of Famer Stan Musial was never thrown out of a game.

Redbird News Links:

Jason Isringhausen placed on disabled list with torn muscle: Click HERE to read full story