The Cardinals mounted a promising rally in the bottom of the seventh, but could get to reliever Vance Worley for just one run. In the bottom of the eighth, Ryan Theriot led off with his third single of the game, which brought Charlie Manuel out of the dugout to replace Worley with lefty Antonio Bastardo. Tony La Russa countered with pinch-hitter Nick Punto, who lifted an easy fly to center.
Cardinals Load Bases In 8th But Don’t Score
With the pitcher’s spot due next, La Russa tabbed Matt Holliday, who’s nursing a hand injury, for his first appearance in this series. Manuel countered with right-hander -- and erstwhile Phillies closer -- Brad Lidge, who was greeted by a single into left field, Theriot stopping at second base. Rookie Adron Chambers, who batted only eight times for the Cardinals all season, ran for Holliday as the top of the St. Louis order came up, in the person of Rafael Furcal.
It took a while, but eventually Furcal saw a slider he liked and slapped it into left field for a single. Theriot had to hold up to make sure the ball would drop, and the bases were loaded with Allen Craig and (gulp) Albert Pujols due next.
You know that Manuel doesn’t want Brad Lidge anywhere near Albert Pujols, so here comes Ryan Madson.
Stay tuned!
Update: Allen Craig shot a laser right to Chase Utley, who ran to second and threw to first in plenty of time to double up Craig. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t bounce your way.
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