Backs to the wall The St. Louis Cardinals are on the brink of elimination from post-season play today, after losing 2-1 to the Houston Astros on Sunday. Jeff Suppan pitched well for the Cardinals, allowing a single home run shot and leaving with the game tied 1-1. But the meltdown began when Jason Marquis walked a batter, misfielded a bunt, and walked another batter on four straight pitches. Cards manager Tony LaRussa then ran out to argue with the home plate ump and was tossed.
Things unraveled from there. The Astros managed one run off Marquis that inning, but Marquis became the goat again next inning when he botched a bunt attempt, popping up and failing to advance the runner.
The Cards had another chance to score in the ninth, when Jim Edmonds was ejected after arguing with the ump on a 3-2 count.
I can see why LaRussa went out to argue with the umpire. He was defending his team. But there was absolutely no reason for Edmonds to argue the calls when the game is on the line.
Game 5 is tonight. If the Cards lose, then the only ball that will be coming to 40-year-old Busch Stadium will be the wrecking ball.
The Cardinals can do better. They've pulled through all year long. But it doesn't seem like the heart is there anymore. Pujols still has heart, but even though he's hitting during this series, he's scattering singles -- no long ball. I hate to see it end without much of a fight.