Hey, maybe the Cardinals looked at the scouting reports and figured out how to pitch to Nelson Cruz: Do not throw him fastballs in the strike zone. Particularly when he'll looking for fastballs in the strike zone.
Cardinals vs. Rangers: García Still Befuddling Rangers
Cruz led off the fifth inning of this scoreless affair against Jaime García.
First pitch: Curveball, high.
Second pitch: Curveball, swinging strike.
Third pitch: Change-up, outside.
Fourth pitch: Change-up, outside.
Would García give in, 3-and-1?
Nope.
Fifth pitch: Perfect change-up low and away, called Strike 2.
Full-count fastball? Hardly. Cruz got a curve, and gave up his bat:
Now that is how you pitch to Nelson Cruz.
Mike Napoli's a good hitter, too. Maybe better than Nelson Cruz, even. And Napoli shot a liner into right field, but right at Lance Berkman. After which García struck out Craig Gentry to end the inning. Still scoreless into the bottom of the fifth.
See More:
