First of all, I’d like to start this recap by wishing a Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful ladies that make our lives a cakewalk on a daily basis. Being a mom is the hardest job in the world, it’s 24/7, and you all always make it work. THANK YOU!!!
Is there a better Mother’s Day gift that Uncle Charlie taking the mound with a chance for a series sweep? It just seems fitting. What seems even more fitting is the outing Mr. Wainwright would deliver.
Waino made quick work all afternoon, especially the later he worked into the game. After a quick, 7-pitch, 1-2-3 inning to start the game you could see the intense body language building.
Charlie Blackmon would collect the only hit off Waino through the first 5 innings, lining a double to LCF for a leadoff double in the 2nd. A slick 1-4-3 double play erased that quickly. It wouldn’t be the only play Waino made on the mound that was groovy, as a kick save on Matt Adams (pinch hitting) in the 8th might’ve been his play of the day.
Seriously, Adam was in control all afternoon. Quick innings, staying in the zone, and letting his defense make plays behind him. Another dominant performance from the veteran at home, his 400th appearance as a Cardinal, the 7th to ever do it in Cardinals history.
Waino would come just short of throwing a complete game SO, having to hand things over to Helsley for the games final two outs with runners on 1st and 2nd.
But before we get to the final two outs, let’s go over the Cardinals offense vs Márquez since I have yet to mention that.
Márquez was pretty good this afternoon, working 6 solid innings, giving up 6 hits, 2R/1ER, 3BB/ 6k’s before exiting.
Unfortunately for him, one bad pitch was enough in this one, and Nolan Arenado made sure to take care of that leading off the bottom of the 2nd. Arenado would blast an inner cut fastball 404 feet, coming off the bat at 109mph for his 6th HR of the season, 23rd RBI.
Yadi would drive in the only other run today, ripping a first pitch double into LCF with one out in the bottom of the 4th, scoring Arenado who reached on a throwing error from his cousin over at 3B. Yadi was pumped about it once he reached 2B, pointing up to his mom and family in the stands, giving them an extra special Mother’s Day moment.
That wasn’t the only first pitch double Yadi would have today, as he ripped another with one out in the bottom of the 6th inning. He was really trying to put on a show for the fam, and I loved every second.
Dylan Carl Bean would extend his hitting streak to 7-games, collecting two singles off Márquez to beat the shift.
Ryan Helsley would enter the game with one out and two on in the top of the 9th, relieving an excellent performance from Uncle Charlie. Helsley would walk the first batter he faced, Joe, loading the bases for Fuentes with still one down.
Helsley would stop any Rockies comeback threat by getting Fuentes to ground out on the 9th pitch of his outing, hitting into a game ending 6-4-3 double play, picking up his 1st save of the season.
Waino would immediately sprint out to the mound to greet and hug Helsley for shutting the door, securing Waino’s 2nd victory of the year, moving him to (2-3, 3.80).
With the win, the Cardinals now have the best record in the NL at (21-14). They’ll enjoy a much needed off-day tomorrow after a stretch of 17-straight games.
They’ll get back to action Tuesday evening with the start of a six-game road trip vs Milwaukee and San Diego.
Kim (1-0, 3.06) gets the ball in game one, matching up with Freddy Peralta (3-1, 3.38). First pitch from American Family Field is scheduled for 6:40pm c/t.
Cheers, Stew
Shout out to Kelli for the photo taken from the game today that was used for the cover photo picture
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