"That's a Winner!" - 3

First off, before I get to a very good Cardinals victory, I just want to acknowledge the Blues clinching a playoff spot. The Wild beat the Predators, the Blues beat the Blue Jackets, and the St. Louis Blues, against all expectations, clinched a spot in the playoffs. Also, depending on what the Ducks and the Blue Jackets do, the Blues could also finish 6th or 7th in the Western Conference. Good stuff.

As for the Cardinals, they got a good performance from their number 5 starter, J.P. If you would have told me before the game that J.P. could pitch 6.2 and allow 2 runs then I would have taken it. Btw, isn't J.P. the number 4 starter in light of Wellemeyer's performance? Anyways, J.P. performed well and Ludwick and Schumaker were the offensive stars. The only real bit of intrigue from this one, as far as I can tell, is the closer situation. Motte wasn't great, though he wasn't as bad as his first appearance. He got replaced by another right-handed pitcher though, so that should tell you something. Whatever the case, this is clearly going to be an issue for a some time.

I spoke WAY too soon

Jason Motte, dude, what the hell? Goat.

So what now? Ryan Franklin? Call Chris Perez back from Memphis? I don't mean to be too reactionary, but Motte did NOT look ready for the big time. Not today.

UPDATE: So, my prediction was pretty right, right? Our bullpen is certainly an unknown. Two inherited runners and four other scored on them. It'll be a long season if these guys can't be more effective.