After last night’s thriller that saw the Redbirds jump out to an early 4-0 lead, the packed Busch Stadium was ready for another celebration. And for a while, it looked like they would get it.
Matt Holliday — moved to the number five slot for the night – eked out a home run (his first in 57 at bats) that looked like it was hooking foul. Could it be a good sign? If so, it was short lived.
Cardinals 2, Brewers 4 (Series tied 2-2)
A solo homer by Craig in the third was the last time the Cards would score, despite eight times having a runner in scoring position. They also extended their scoreless streak with runners in scoring position from the first inning of yesterday’s game.
The good news? David Freese kept up his hot hitting, going two-for-four, and Matt Holliday worked out of his slump going three-for-four. But, two runs on eight hits just didn’t cut it. Not against Randy Wolf pitching the game of his life, not with Kyle Lohse less than spectacular, and not with a few unfortunate bounces that threw the defense for a loop.
And after a long layoff, Lohse — who started out sharp and working quickly — got tripped up in the fourth and fifth, giving up three runs on six hits. And unfortunately for the St. Louis crowd, that was all the Brew Crew would need (although they added one more for insurance).
There were highlights — like a diving, rally-killing play by Ryan Theriot — and there were lowlights — like a run-costing error by, um, Ryan Theriot. But it wasn’t a one-problem loss. There were several issues that cost the Cardinals this game, but none more than the lack of run production.
Alas, the Rally Squirrel was quiet tonight as the Brewers end their eight-game postseason road losing streak and tie the series up at two games a piece. But, perhaps more importantly, the 4-2 Milwaukee win forces the series back to Miller Park for a game six.
But, before that happens, we have game five. And it’s crucial that Garcia is his usual, crisp-at-home self.
