INSIDE PITCH
Lance Lynn, who had given up 25 hits and 17 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings over three
starts, made an in-game adjustment Thursday night. Just like that, he once again
was the dominating pitcher who had won 10 of his first 12 decisions.
Lynn, getting on top of the ball
better, had a more darting sinker and better bite on his slider after struggling
for two innings, albeit scoreless ones. Then he reeled off four more scoreless
innings in a 6-2 win over Colorado. He fanned seven for his six-inning
stint and gave up only four singles.
"Sometimes, your slot changes (on the
release) without you really knowing it," said manager Mike Matheny. "He was
getting down underneath (the ball) and pushing out of the (strike) zone and he
couldn't figure out why.
"He did a nice job of making that
in-game adjustment. Not many guys can do that.
"I thought the ball was jumping out of
his hand. His stuff was as good as any day he's had this season.
Lynn (11-4) said, "I felt really good the last
couple of outings. I was just off a little mechanically. Giving up two-out
homers is a big problem, especially when they cost you three or four
runs."
The only homer the Cardinals gave up
was a two-run drive by Colorado right fielder Tyler Colvin off
right-hander Victor Marte in the eighth inning. But the Cardinals ultimately
closed out the game to win the series, three games to one, marking their first
series victory at home in three weeks.
NOTES,
QUOTES
INF/OF Matt Carpenter,
making his first career start at second base, had only one play, handling a
throw on a forceout grounder before the runner got to him. "I was wanting the
ball to be hit to him," said manager Mike Matheny. "I had all the confidence in
the world he was going to make the plays." Carpenter said, "I wasn't too
concerned, but I thought there might be some nerves out there. I was so busy
with trying to make sure I was in the right place at the right time that that
kind of consumed all my thoughts. It went pretty well."
LHP Barret Browning, a
rookie just up from Class AAA Memphis, pitched his fourth perfect inning in
succession, retiring three Colorado switch hitters who were batting
right-handed. "My job is to get past batters, left-hander or right-hander,
superstar or a guy that's a rookie," said Browning. "My job is to put zeroes
up."
RHP Lance Lynn, who is
batting only .067, drew a four-pitch walk that helped lead to a five-run fifth
inning. Lynn
spent about 10 minutes on the bases during that inning, but his sixth inning on
the mound seemed unaffected. "I hadn't been out there (on the bases) in awhile,
so it wasn't that big a deal," he said.
LF Matt Holliday, 34 for
68 over his last 18 games, knocked in a run for the sixth consecutive game and
is hitting .318 for 80 games this season. He has missed playing just two games
after either being ailing or hurt several times last
season.
3B David Freese became
the fifth Cardinals player chosen to the National League team for next week's
All-Star Game when he won the fans' Internet vote. "What a crazy way to make an
All-Star team," Freese said. "I'm thrilled."
1B Lance Berkman,
recovering from right knee surgery, has been running well in his pregame drills,
manager Mike Matheny said. Asked if he thought Berkman would need a couple of
rehabilitation games in the minors, Matheny said, "Yes." Asked if the veteran
Berkman was on board with that, Matheny again answered,
"Yes."
By the
Numbers:
10 - Consecutive
scoreless outings by right-hander Mitchell Boggs.
Quote to Note:
"I'll play there every
day if they don't hit anything to me."
- INF/OF Matt Carpenter,
who, in his first start at second base, did not have a ball hit to him.
MEDICAL
WATCH
LHP Jaime Garcia (left
shoulder strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to June 6. After
further examination, it was determined that he has tearing in his rotator cuff.
He threw 40 pitches from 60 feet on flat ground for the first time in a month
July 4. He is out until at least mid-August.
RHP Kyle McClellan
(strained right ulnar collateral ligament) went on the 15-day disabled list May
18, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 30. He won't need surgery
but likely will be sidelined until at least late July. He threw from flat ground
for the first time July 3 and reported he felt good July 4. He could be back in
early August.
1B Lance Berkman (torn
meniscus in right knee) went on the 15-day disabled list May 20. He had
arthroscopic surgery May 25, and no ACL damage was found. He took batting
practice July 2, and he hopes to return to the Cardinals on July
13.
RHP Chris Carpenter (weak
right shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he
was transferred to the 60-day DL on June 10. He threw for the first time since
March on June 13 and then threw another 40 pitches on June 15. He threw to
hitters for the first time June 22 but then had a setback June 25 when he felt
renewed weakness in the shoulder. He said it felt better the next day, and he
had an extensive throwing session off flat ground June 27. On June 28, he was
told he has thoracic outlet syndrome, which can cause, among its effects,
weakness in one's shoulder. A July 2 bullpen session was canceled. On July 3,
the Cardinals announced that Carpenter will undergo season-ending surgery July
19 and will be out until February.
Link to boxscore: St. Louis 6, Colorado 2