The Cardinals blew two saves and suffered a bullpen loss in the first game of a seven-game, opening-week homestand, but the rest was much better, highlighted by a one-hitter worked by RHP Chris Carpenter and two relievers, a three-hit shutout by RHP Kyle Lohse and a career-high-tying seven-RBI game by 1B Albert Pujols, who hit two home runs against Houston. Manager Tony La Russa used seven different lineups in seven games, and the results mostly were positive as the Cardinals went 5-2.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Josh Kinney posted the Cardinals' third blown save of the season when he failed to hold a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning. He walked C Miguel Montero with two outs and then plunked OF Justin Upton, hitless on the season until then, with a 3-2 pitch. Kinney then threw an awful slider to PH Conor Jackson, who lofted a three-run homer.
--INFs Joe Thurston and Brian Barden continued to impress. Thurston drove in a run in the sixth inning with a single and then bunted for a hit to start a two-run rally in the ninth, tying the game at 6-6. Barden made two excellent plays in the field after coming in at third base. He also delivered a key hit-and-run single after Thurston's hit in the ninth.
--RHP P.J. Walters, impressive in the spring, is the most likely pitcher to be recalled from Class AAA Memphis. Someone will have to provide relief Wednesday and then perhaps make the start for injured RHP Chris Carpenter on Sunday night in Chicago. RHP Mitchell Boggs, who is scheduled to start Wednesday for Memphis, also is a candidate.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Chris Carpenter (strained left ribcage) left the April 14 game and appeared headed for the disabled list.
3B Troy Glaus (right shoulder surgery in January 2009) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He didn't heal as quickly as was hoped, and he may not play before July.
LHP Jaime Garcia (Tommy John elbow surgery in September 2008) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He likely will miss all or nearly all of the 2009 season.
ROTATION:
RHP Adam Wainwright
RHP Kyle Lohse
RHP Todd Wellemeyer
RHP Chris Carpenter
RHP Joel Pineiro
BULLPEN:
RHP Jason Motte (closer)
RHP Ryan Franklin
RHP Josh Kinney
RHP Kyle McClellan
RHP Brad Thompson
LHP Dennys Reyes
LHP Trever Miller
CATCHERS:
Yadier Molina
Jason LaRue
INFIELDERS:
1B Albert Pujols
2B Skip Schumaker
SS Khalil Greene
3B David Freese
INF Brendan Ryan
INF Brian Barden
INF Joe Thurston
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Chris Duncan
CF Rick Ankiel
RF Ryan Ludwick
OF Colby Rasmus
