SP Adam Wainwright tossed a complete game while OFs Colby Rasmus and Ryan Ludwick hit home runs, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 5-3 win over the New York Mets at Busch Stadium Sunday night. A day after winning in 20 draining innings, Mets SP John Maine picked a good night to throw his best game of the early season, allowing only a 3 run homer to Rasmus in the 5th. OF Angel Pagan had two of the 4 Mets hits while driving in 2 runs. The Mets are now 4-8 and have lost all 4 series to open the season.
MAINE ATTRACTION: Much better John Maine tonight than in his 1st two starts(13.50 ERA in 2 games) and offered a ray of hope post game. “I don’t think it’s going to be too long before I’m comfortable again. Throwing has never been this hard before. I’ve got to keep working.” Over 5 innings, He allowed 6 hits and 3 runs(All on Rasmus homer) while walking 4 and K-ing 4. He threw 115 pitches(70 strikes) and got 15 first pitch strikes out of 25 batters faced.
JACOBS JERKED: The club designated 1B Mike Jacobs for assignment pre-game to make room for RP Tobi Stoner. The move also clears a spot on the 40 man roster and numerous sources have super prospect 1B Ike Davis being called up to take the roster spot when the bullpen refuels after Saturdays marathon. Stoner, who provided a fresh arm in the bullpen, followed Maine and threw a staff saving 2 and a third innings(Charged with 1 run on 3 hits). He was saddled with the loss when RH Ryota Igarashi gave up a two run shot to Ludwick in the 8th.
BAD MEMORIES: Wainwright amazingly pitched against the Mets for the first time since his series ending strikeout of CF Carlos Beltran in Game 7 of the 2006 National League Championship Series.
REST AND REHAB: Mets understandably rested 2 regular starters Sunday: LF Jason Bay and 2B Luis Castillo. Meanwhile, 1B was manned by super utility man Frank Catalanotto.
NEXT GAME:
Monday, start rare 4 game series vs the Chicago Cubs at Citi Field
7:10 pm
Cubs RHP Randy Wells(1-0,2.92) vs. Mets LHP Jon Niese(0-1,6.55)
