Redbird Randoms 7/13/08 Pineiro to start, lots of offense, lots of earned runs

On-deck: The Cardinals take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Ohio today at 12:35 p.m. CDT.

Probables: STL-Joel Pineiro RHP (3-4, 4.17) vs. PIT-Ian Snell RHP (3-7, 5.84).

After the break: The Cardinals will finish up the first half of the season against the Pirates today, then enjoy the All-Star break. Their next game isn't until July 17, when they will take on the San Diego Padres at Busch Stadium at 7:15 p.m. CDT.

Bird's Perch: With a Brewers loss yesterday to the Reds and a Cubs win in extra innings versus the Giants, plus, a Cardinals loss in extra innings to the Pirates, the Cardinals hold onto second place in the NL Central, but fall another game behind the Cubs at 5.5. The Brewers continue to threaten to overtake the Cardinals in third place, 6.5 games behind the Cubs and only one full game behind the Cardinals.

Ankiel scare: While at bat yesterday, Ankiel sent down on a swing, possibly turning an ankle or twisting his knee. He left the game. At the time of this post, the only word was that Ankiel should be able to participate in today's game.

Tons of offense, no win: In the Cardinals loss to the Pirates yesterday, offense was not the issue. Some of the better performances were turned in by:

Troy Glaus: 4-for-4, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, 1 HR
Albert Pujols: 3-for-5, 1 run, 1 RBI, double
Yadier Molina: 4-for-6, 1 run, 1 RBI, 1 double
Ryan Ludwick: 3-for-5, 4 RBIs, 2 runs, triple, double
Rick Ankiel: 2-for-5, 2 runs, 1 RBI, 2 doubles
Aaron Miles: 2-for-5, 3 runs, 1 double
Adam Kennedy: 1-for-3, 1 RBI
Joe Mather: 1-for-2, 1 RBI, 1 double

Using up the arms: The Cardinals used seven pitchers in yesterday's slugfest, five of whom were scored upon, all the runs earned.

Scored upon: Wellemeyer (4), Franklin (2), Isringhausen (3), McClellan (2), Perez (1)

Not scored upon: Springer, Villone

photo by David Watson