Cards shuts out Brewers, courtesy of Wainwright
In a pitching rotation that includes three rookies and a 13-year veteran, Adam Wainwright stands out. At 28, he’s the only pitcher on the staff in his ‘prime’, not the mention he’s the tallest on team too, standing 6′7″. But it’s his performance on the field where he truly stands out.
Wainwright, who may be best remembered in his role as closer for St. Louis in the 2006 World Series, has compiled quite a career during his 5 years as a Cardinal. The best of those years came last season when he was an all-star, or at least, it’s the best season thus far.
This year in 2010, the righty is 8-3 in 12 starts with a 2.05 ERA, a great start to what will be his best season yet if he continues to pitch like this. He currently ranks first in strikeouts with 85, and baring a tragedy, will be a shoo in for this years All-Star game.
On Friday, Wainwright even outdid himself, pitching his first career shutout against Milwaukee. He pitched the complete game, keeping the Brewers scoreless to the end. With 8 strikeouts and 1 walk, he pitched as well as ever before in the Cardinals 8-0 triumph.
The biggest of all Wainwright’s strikeouts came against Prince Fielder. Technically, it was the second time Wainwright struck out Fielder when the Cardinals’ pitcher blew a ball by the Milwaukee slugger. The first strikeout came in the 1st and the second, more important one came in the 9th, ending the game.
The out of Fielder was Wainwright’s 18th in a row. Fielder was walked in the 4th, but he became the final Milwaukee hitter to reach base. Wainwright retired every batter afterward in succession.
And in addition to his pitching achievements, Wainwright also scored one of the Cardinals’ 8 runs. It was Ryan Ludwick and Colby Rasmus however that had the best days at the plate. Ludwick went 2 for 4 with a couple ribbies and runs scored, while Rasmus knocked home a couple runs in the 6th on his 9th homer of the year.
Wainwright’s next start won’t be for another 5 days. In the mean time, St. Louis will finish up the series with Milwaukee. Game #2 of the three game set will commence on Saturday at 3:15. Rookie Adam Ottavino will go for the Cardinals against Chris Narveson, a former Redbird himself.
Leave a Reply