Boxscore

Zach Duke pitched very well last night, striking out 6 in 7 innings and allowing only 2 runs. Although it was among the best starts Duke’s provided this year, it wasn’t good enough. The Pirates managed only one measly run. The lone RBI was Doug Mientkiewicz’s, thanks to a hit in the 9th.

Of course, it’s not exactly an indictment of the Pirates that they scored only one run off of Brandon Webb, who has an ERA on the year of 2.93. Yeah, he doesn’t allow too many runs. Webb pitched the complete game for his 16th victory on the year, while Duke received his 10th loss.

Boxscore

Chris Carpenter started his second game for the Cardinals since returning from the disabled list. Both starts have been good, although short. In his first outing, he lasted only 4 innings, but yesterday, he pitched 5. Carpenter probably would have gone longer had it not been for a rain delay.

All in all, Carpenter’s allowed 1 run in 9 innings, and that one run was in his first start. If he can increase his stamina, stay effective, and stay healthy, Carpenter might just give the Cardinals the shot in the arm they need.

He didn’t last night because St. Louis’ bullpen is having issues. With the team leading 4-0 in the 9th, things looked rosy. That is until Ron Villone faced the first batter of the inning, Andruw Jones, who homered. LaRussa immediately changed pitchers and brought in Jason Isringhausen. But this is still not the Izzy of old, as he allowed the game to be tied and sent it to extra innings.

So Carpenter remains winless since 2006, but the Cardinals did eventually win the game, thanks to a 2-run home run from Ryan Ludwick.