8.26.15 Cardinals @ Diamondbacks Recap: Cards Win 3-1

In August the Redbirds came to AZ

They won the first two, were looking for three

I knew we'd prevail

When Reynolds' ball sailed

With a true distance of 393

The Game

The Cardinals headed into tonight's game with a 2-0 lead in the series against the Diamondbacks, and riding a three-game winning streak, after two embarrassing games against the Padres last Friday and Saturday.  I was at that game on Saturday, by the way, and I will say that the only thing worse than losing is losing in the presence of people who were not really Padres fans until that exact moment.  But I digress.  Over the last few seasons, the Cardinals have been remarkably good against the Dbacks - since 2012, El Birdos are 18-6 against the Snakes.  I have really enjoyed this, and the wins just keep coming.

John Lackey got the start tonight, and actually pitched pretty well, despite giving up a solo home run in the first inning to America's First Baseman Paul Goldschmidt.  I secretly smiled because I love Goldy.  It was secret because I was surrounded by a sea of Cardinals fans.  The visiting team's fans often outcheered the home team fans, who - let's be honest - had little to cheer for after that early home run.  In the last month, I have seen the Cardinals play in Milwaukee, San Diego, and Phoenix, and I have to say - our fans travel damn well.  It's nice not to have to ever really feel like actual visitors.

After Goldy's home run, the game chugged along quickly.  The Dbacks had a few scattered hits, but Lackey was able to push through without allowing any more runs.  In the top of the 5th, Mark Reynolds homered on a line shot over the left field wall to tie the game 1-1.  As he was rounding the bases, the home team fans started chanting "ASSHOLE."  I just....why???  I tried to ask a fan, but everyone within a 100-foot radius was wearing a Cardinals shirt.

The Cardinals scored again in the 7th on hits by Piscotty, Wong, and Carpenter, bringing the score to 3-1, where it would stay.  Kevin Siegrist and Trevor Rosenthal pitched scoreless innings in the 8th and 9th to close out the game.  The Cards go for the sweep tomorrow at 8:40 CT.

Notes

1. Tonight I  learned that the Diamondbacks have more team fWAR than the Cardinals (19.9 v. 17.8).  So...does that mean we are playing better than we actually are?  Or that the Diamondbacks are playing worse than they actually are?  Or something entirely different?  Is it some weird UZR fluke?  HELP ME VEB.

2. If you would like more information about the game, I would direct you to the following:

(Please ignore my failure to record the performance of the 9th inning pitchers.)

3. One thing my score card won't show you is the awesome play Tommy Pham made in center field in the 4th inning to rob Aaron Hill of an extra base hit.  He had another good night, going 1-for-2 with a base hit and two walks.  Meanwhile, Peter Bourjos is officially dead.