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According to a graphic on Fox Sports Midwest, the Cardinals are 9-0 (now 10-0) when scoring four or more runs since the All Star Break and 3-11 when scoring less than four runs. Funny how that happens right? When the Cardinals score lots of runs they win and when they do not they lose.
Well tonight, they scored lots of runs and won. Here is how:
In the top of the second, Dexter Fowler scored on a sacrificial fly ball off the bat of Kolten Wong.
In the top of the fourth the Birdos capitalized on Royals mistakes. The inning began with a Jose Martínez single and a Yadier Molina double. Dexter Fowler then walked to load the bases. Kolten Wong knocked in another run on a fielder's choice, capitzalizing on a fielding error by Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar. Randal Grichuk struck out, Greg Garcia walked a run in, Dexter Fowler scored on a throwing error on a pickoff play by catcher Drew Butera, then Matt Carpenter homered, tieing Paul DeJong for the team lead in that category with fifteen, to give the Cardinals a lead of seven runs to one.
In the top of eighth Yadier Molina began the inning with a single. Kolten Wong then homered him in to give the Cardinals nine runs.
In the top of the ninth Luke Voit was hit by a pitch, then Paul DeJong retook the team lead in home runs with sixteen to give the Cardinals a eleven runs to two lead.
On the pitching side of things, Carlos Martínez was excellent. He pitched a solid eight innings, striking out seven and walking none. Carlos did allow two runs, but both came on solo shots. Besides those two poorly located pitches, Carlos did Carlos things. Sam Tuivailala closed out the game in the ninth, giving up a home run to Brandon Moss, but allowing no other damage.
lil scooter's lil player of the game
Normally this prestigious honor goes to the player with the highest win probability added of the game, but tonight I am making a judgement call and giving it to Kolten Wong. Wong was 2-3 with a home run and four RBI, good for .116 WPA. Beating him out in WPA was Dexter Fowler with .151 and Carlos Martínez with .127, but tonight belongs to Kolten.
The series continues tomorrow at 7:15pm CST as Michael Wacha faces Jason Vargas.