You know things are going well when the Cardinals are able to steal both games that their makeshift fourth and fifth starters pitch.
They beat the Dodgers Sunday in a game Jeff Suppan started. And on Monday, Blake Hawksworth and the Redbirds were able to overcome a three-run Philadelphia first inning to beat the Phillies 8-4.
The Birds played a little bit of small ball to get back into the game with single runs on productive outs in the first and second innings to cut their deficit to 3-2. Philadelphia scored another run to push the lead back to two. But Felipe Lopez walked with one out in the fifth followed by a Jon Jay double that made it 4-3. Albert Pujols came to the plate and cranked a no doubter to left field for a two-run homer to put St. Louis out front 5-4. But the Cardinals weren't done. Allen Craig followed with his first major league homer to make it 6-4 and Skip Schumaker made it back-to-back-to-back homers for a 7-4 lead.
Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols puts the tag on Jayson Worth as he assists catcher Yadier Molina in picking off the Phillies rightfielder. AP photo.
Randy Winn, one of the Punch and Judiest hitters around even got into the act. He hit a solo shot to make it 8-4 and that's the way that it ended.
Hawksworth wasn't very good. He gave up 10 hits and four runs in six innings. He also walked the opposing pitcher -- twice. But he was good enough to get the win and improve to 4-5 on the season. It's only fair since when he's pitched better the Cardinals couldn't score. It all sort of evens out.
The win was the sixth in the row for St. Louis, it's longest winning streak of the season. And now the top of the rotation comes back around so, hopefully, the Redbirds can keep it going...
Cardinals Star of the Game: Pujols was 2-for-4 with three RBIs and a run scored. His fifth inning hit was the game winner.
Cardinals Play of the Game: Pujols' homer.
Lowlight: Brendan Ryan was 0-for-4 in the game. But he made several good defensive plays in the game including helping to turn a couple of key double plays. It's a great sign when even the guys who are struggling find a way to contribute.
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