Cardinals Victorious over SLU, 15-2
When the St. Louis Cardinals took the field yesterday in their exhibition game against the St. Louis University Billikens, they were wearing red caps with a large ‘K’ on them, in honor of those who were shot at the Kirkwood high school shooting on February second.
Those hats might have brought luck to the Cardinals. Or maybe it was just the fact that they were playing a collage team, but either way, the Cardinals took advantage of the Billikens inexperience, winning 15-2 in 7 innings.
The game was the Cardinals first organized game since September. The Cardinals had minor league pitcher Mitchell Boggs start against the Billikens pitcher, Chris Merrik. Boggs had some trouble right off the bat as he let up a run in the first inning. But the Cardinals came right back as DH Brian Barton got a hold of one and drove the ball over the right field fence with Colby Rasmus on first, giving the Cardinals a 2-1 lead.
But it didn’t last long, as the Billikens came right back with a run in the top of the second, tying the game up. George Hebert took over the pitching duties for the Billikens in the bottom of the second and pitched a scoreless inning. But from there, it was all Cardinals. P.J. Walters came in to pitch for the Cardinals, and did likewise to Hebert.
In the bottom of the third, the Cardinals broke the tie with 3 quick runs. And after Walters pitch another inning without the Billikens scoring, the Cardinals came out in a hurry in the bottom of the 4th, scoring 10 runs after an Amuary Marti pinch-hit Grand Slam.
Clayton Mortenson came in to pitch for the Cardinals next for 2 innings, pitching perfect without a hit. The Cardinals were able to pick up another run in the bottom of the 5th. Heading into the top of the 7th, with Cardinals up 15-2, Chris Perez pitched a scoreless inning. And after that, the game was called by mutual consent.
Pitching for the Cardinals was very solid throughout most of the game. Mitchell Boggs, who started the game, had the roughest outing, allowing 2 runs through 2 innings. Both P.J. Walter and Clayton Mortenson pitched 2 perfect innings. Chris Perez, who closed the game, pitched an inning of baseball with one hit. Walters earned the win.
Colby Rasmus went 2 for 2 with 2 walks, 4 runs scored and an RBI. Brian Barton, who was reportedly injured and was a questionable start, went 2 for 2 also, scoring 3 runs with 2 RBIs and a walk. Amuary Marti, in his two at bats, went 2 for 2 with a grand slam and 4 RBIs. David Freese, who was recently traded to the Cardinals, went 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored an RBI and a walk.
Today, the Cardinals will be taking on their first major league team, as they play the Mets. The Cardinals will go up against John Maine and pitching against him will be the Cardinals “ace” Adam Wainwright. The game is scheduled to start at 12:05 CT.
All the hats that were worn by the players will be signed and auctioned off later on MLB.com.
(c) Copyright 2007. K.B. is a writer and founder of the International Association of Baseball Writers.