Cards Use Longballs To Beat Red Sox

Game # 75 Fri. June 20, 2008 Cardinals 5 Red Sox 4 Ahh, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Boston Red Sox, my two favorite teams. I have always been a huge Cardinals fan, but have also always rooted for the Red Sox. In 2004, while I hated to lose the World Series, I was happy that if we weren't going to win, that Boston did. There is so much class and tradition in Boston, and Fenway Park is a beautiful setting for baseball. Friday, the Cardinals went from getting swept by one of the worst teams in baseball (the Kansas City Royals) to beating one of the best teams in baseball (the Boston Red Sox). I guess that is one thing about baseball, anyone can beat anyone on any given day. Friday, the banged up Redbirds rolled into "Beantown", still without Pujols in the lineup. The Cards offense was still effective though, with longballs from Skip Schumaker, Jason La Rue, and Yadier Molina. Kyle Lohse pitched well, picking up his 9th win of the season. Here is my analysis of the game: Performance of the Game: Jason La Rue What Went Right: 1. Unexpected Power - The home runs came from Skip Schumaker, Jason La Rue, and Yadi. Nothing against them, but they wouldn't have been the three anyone would have picked to go yard from looking at the batting order. But you have to give this team credit. With Pujols out of the lineup, this team needs performances like that. 2. Kyle Lohse - His pitch count was a bit high (109 through 6 innings), but Kyle picked up his 9th win of the year. He gave up 2 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits in 6 innings. The way he is pitching it is very possible that he could have 11 or 12 victories by the All-Star break. 3. Yadi - Considering how hard he was hit last Sunday against the Phillies in a home plate collision that left him with a concussion, no one expected Yadi to go yard in his first game back. He still isn't back behind the dish yet, but served as the Cards' DH Friday night in Boston. Good job, Yadi! What Went Wrong: 1. Cesar Izturis - He pulled his right hamstring in Friday night's game. The last thing we need is another injury. But luckily we have Brendan Ryan and/or Aaron Miles that can play short well. And if we need to call someone up, Jarrett Hoffpauir is waiting in Memphis. He is a 2nd baseman, that could allow Ryan or Miles to scoot to short, if needed. And don't forget Kennedy. He has been really effective at 2nd also. The win puts the Cardinals at 43-32, 11 games over .500, and still 3 1/2 behind the cubs. Tomorrow, Mitchell Boggs will make his 3rd major league start for St. Louis. Let's hope the bats come alive.