St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter delivers a pitch to the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on September 5, 2010. UPI/Bill Greenblatt
ST. LOUIS (KMOX) – Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter locked down the potent Cincinnati Reds lineup to secure a series win on Sunday afternoon at Busch Stadium. Matt Holliday provided the support needed when he hit a three-run homer (25) in the bottom of the sixth off starter Homer Bailey (3-3). This came directly after the Reds elected to intentionally walk Albert Pujols. In 7.1 innings of work, Carpenter(15-4) was brilliant allowing two runs on six hits while striking out eleven. The leadership from ‘Carp’ was definitely needed as reports of a trade request from outfielder Colby Rasmus created quite a stir before the crucial game on Sunday.
Rasmus was in the starting lineup batting fifth for the Redbirds. He was instrumental in manufacturing the first run for the Cardinals in the fifth inning when the Reds were leading 2-0. Colby finished 2-3 with a double and a run scored.
Relievers Trevor Miller and Kyle McClellan ended the Reds’ final threat in the eighth inning. Ryan Franklin picked up the save (24) with quick work in the ninth.
Sunday was the fifth appearance for Carpenter against the Reds. He has won his last 10 consecutive starts against Cincinnati. For his career, Carpenter is 12-3. His 11 strikeouts is a season-high.
With the win on Sunday, the Cardinals (71-63) trail the first place Reds (79-57) by 7 games in the NL Central. In the wild card standings, the Redbirds are now 5.5 games behind Philadelphia and 2.5 games behind San Francisco.
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