The St. Louis Cardinals, 47-36 have now survived Albert Pujols’ injury. Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Mark Mulder, Cezar Izturis, and many others(15 to be exact) have also been on the DL, are still are on the DL. The Cardinals have had nine players make their major league debutes THIS season.  With all that said, the Cardinals are only 2.5 games out of first place, two weeks from the all star break. This is a big week for the Cardinals. The New York Mets, 40-41, come into St. Louis for four games, before the Cubs come in for three over the weekend. The Cubs lead the Cardinals in the NL Central by 2.5 games, but the Cubs have struggled mightily on the road. The Cubs are continuing their three city road trip, for four games in San Fransisco starting tonight.

Kyle Lohse will pitch tonight for the Cardinals. A few months ago the Mets could have signed Lohse for the same deal the Cardinals got him at in March, but Mets GM Omar M. turned down the deal, sighting he felt that was too much for Lohse. Lohse would love to stick it to him and the Mets, like he has the rest of the NL so far this season. Kyle is 9-2 with a 3.94 era so far this season. Lohse has not lost a game since May 8th, where he pitched 4 innings in Colorado. He took a no decision his last time out against Detroit, but before that won his last 6 starts.

John Maine is on the mound for the Mets. Maine has been solid once again with a 8-5 record, and a 3.73 era. Maine has won his last two starts going 6+ innings in each. In his last ten starts, Maine is 5-3. He has pitched well against the Cardinals in his career, making two starts and going 1-0.

The Man, El Hombre, Albert Pujols is 2-6, with 2 homeruns, and 7 rbis in his career off John Maine.

We look for more mash city tonight in St. Louis. The Cardinals are hot, and are ready to have a huge home stand. Go El Hombre! Go Cardinals!