We've said it before, but it's worth saying again now, as the Cardinals try to score at least two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning ...
Cardinals vs. Brewers: And Here Comes John Axford
John Axford is really, really good.
After blowing a save in the middle of April, Axford went the whole rest of the season without a blown save, 43 for 43, and posted a 1.34 ERA all the while. In 67 innings, he struck out 80 hitters, walked 19, and gave up three home runs.
With all due respect to Mariano Rivera, Craig Kimbrel, and Delivery Man of the Year Jose Valverde, it's possible that no closer was more effective than Axford from May through the end of the season.
Axford hasn't been quite as dominant in the postseason ... but five innings, seven strikeouts, three hits and two walks? You'll take that, even with the blown save against the Diamondbacks in Game 5 of their Division Series.
With Yadier Molina making the last out in the bottom of the eighth, the bottom of the ninth will feature the bottom of the Cardinals' batting order. With the caveat that Lance Berkman still lurks, available at Tony La Russa's whim. The trick will be getting somebody on base ahead of him.
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