Like I said before, todays game was interesting. I kept changing to ESPN to see what they were saying about Manny during the commercials. Today was a good game. It all starts with defense, and Todd Wellemeyer pitched a great game. He was good for the redbirds for seven innings, had four strikeouts, allowing four hits that pushed in two runs. Jason LaRue gave us a 2-1 lead to begin the fifth inning, starting a team effort that would bring in two more runs and make the game easier for those that suffer of a weak heart or high blood pressure. Skip Schumaker tripled off Ross Ohlendorf to make a great play. The Cards used Schumaker’s versatility switching him from second base to left field during the game.

I do not know if other teams are angry at us or what, but we are getting drilled. Albert Pujols got hit in the ribs by Ohlendorf in the fifth inning. He went down after the impact and one could clearly see he was in pain. The Cards staff looked at the hit while he was in first base. He said after the game, “It’s just sore, it’s probably going to be uncomfortable because it’s right on the ribcage.” After Pujols, Ryan Ludwick got hit to bring in a run. We also went under fire against the Phillies. Either the rest of the league does not like us, or there is just bad pitching going on. “I think they’re throwing in a little bit more,” said Schumaker after the game.

Tomorrow we are going up against the Cincinnati Reds at the Great American Ballpark in Ohio. On the mound for the redbirds is Joel Piñeiro (4-1 E.R.A. 3.24) matching up against Johnny Cueto (2-1 E.R.A. 1.65). Rick Ankiel was placed today in the 15-day disabled list. He said he was still sore on wednesday and he did not attend batting practice that day. Fortunately, his frightening collapse into the centerfield wall did not turn out to be something dangerous. If there is anyone that can come back at the end of May and play like a Cardinal, its Ankiel. That is why,

With these Cards, I’ll go all in.

- Andy