--RHP Braden Looper, the winner Monday night, had an 0-3 record and 5.57 earned run average in July, covering his previous four starts in the month. --CF Rick Ankiel sat out a second consecutive start because of an abdominal strain. Manager Tony La Russa said Ankiel could hit but not run. Ankiel has been riding a nine-game hitting streak, hiking his average to .282.
--RHP Mitchell Boggs, who appeared twice in the recent New York series, including one start, was sent back to Class AAA Memphis and OF Nick Stavinoha was recalled. The Cardinals are down to 12 pitchers now.
--1B Albert Pujols, who was hitting .378 for his career at Turner Field in Atlanta, was 1-for-2 with two walks and a sacrifice fly.
--RHP Russ Springer, who got the last out of the eighth, has given up only two earned runs over his last 27 2/3 innings covering 35 appearances since May 8.
--Slow-footed C Yadier Molina circled the bases after hitting a two-run double in the third when the Braves overthrew home plate. Molina had been content to stop at second.
BY THE NUMBERS: 23 and 25 -- Number of bullpen losses and blown saves, respectively, for the Cardinals, as they hit the two-thirds mark of the season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Once I start spinning the ball with authority, then I'm pretty close to returning." -- RHP Adam Wainwright, on the rehabilitation trail after suffering a sprained middle finger on his pitching hand.
