The dormant Cardinal offense exploded in the light atmosphere of Colorado, generously supporting a relatively-weak performance by Kyle Lohse as St. Louis (55-48) defeated the Colorado Rockies 11-5 at Coors Field.

HEIGHTENED ATMOSPHERE: Following several days of trade speculation, the Cardinals’ offense unleashed their potential with an easy, free-swinging performance. Allen Craig led the way with a 3-3 night featuring 3 RBI. The Cardinals also ripped three home runs by David Freese, Carlos Beltran, and former Rockie Matt Holliday. Six Cards notched multiple hits tonight. It was a necessary outburst given the recent failures by an offense rated one of the best in the league.

BARELY AN ACE: Lohse didn’t have his best stuff, but he did what he needed to do with the Rockies despite a large lead. Six innings and five runs aren’t usually something to tell your grandchildren, but Lohse made it stick anyway. With every win, Lohse’s agent Scott Boras rubs his dick in post-season contractual glee.

CHEERING: How bizarre is it to hear fans at the Rockies’ stadium chant FOR the Cardinals??

RELIEF: The bullpen was fantastic, mopping up Lohse’s struggles and holding the Rockies to just five runs. Barret Browning, Fernando Salas, Mitchell Boggs, and Jason Motte kept the Rockies in check for three innings. Did we really need to trade for another reliever?

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Craig for his huge performance.

CONCLUSION: While it’s nice to get 11 runs, let’s hope this is not yet another movement in the feast-or-famine cycle. I don’t expect the team to score that many runs in every game obviously, but we need a consistent attack if we’re going anywhere this season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AR: Why would Matheny decide to use Jason Motte in the ninth inning? I understand that he hasn’t gotten much work in the last week, but putting Motte is usually the disconect.

PLAYER OF THE GAME: Craig.

CONCLUSION: While I’m not thrilled about offerning an Albanian women as a marriage sacrifice, this team has forgotten its risky trade with a scoreless inning. Without you, I’m nothing.