After getting blown out the first two games in Philadelphia, the Cardinals have come back strong with a big win Sunday over the Phillies, and a nice win Monday over the Marlins, to improve to 2-2 on this long road trip. The Cardinals finish two more against the Marlins tonight and tomorrow, before heading to Atlanta for four, starting on Thursday. This road trip is coming right ahead of what will be the biggest week of the season, next week, as the Cardinals will host the second place Chicago Cubs, and the first place Milwaukee Brewers.
Tonight’s starting pitching matchup includes Cardinals righthander Brad Thompson 6-3, 5.10 v. Rick Vanden Hurk 2-2, 8.38. Thompson’s last outing on July 13th at Philadelphia was not impressive as he went 2 innings, allowing 8 hits, 4 runs, 3 earned, giving up 2 homeruns in a relief outing, as the Phillies blasted the Cardinals 13-3. His last start, Thompson threw 7 innings against the Diamondbacks on July 4th, giving up only 4 runs on 7 hits, in a game in which the Cardinals came from behind to win 5-4. Thompson’s last win came on June 26th against the Mets. Vanden Hurk has not started in the major leagues in a month. His last outing was June 16th against the Royals. In that game, he went 6 innings, giving up 7 hits, 6 runs, 5 earned, in a game in which he was the winner 9-8 over the Royals. Rick has never faced the Cardinals in his career.
Tomorrow, Albert and the Cardinals will face Marlins lefty Dontrelle Willis. Dontrelle is 1-2 in his career against the Cardinals, with a 4.01 ERA. DTrain has not faced the Cardinals in 2007. Albert Pujols is 3-12 in his career against Dontrelle, with a single and two doubles. Let’s hope Albert is 6-15 in his career against Willis after Wednesday nights game!
- Stay tuned!