67-51: Carp out duels Yo

Milwaukee's 4 game lead on top of the division is their largest,
this late in to the season since 1982!

Despite Milwaukee getting off to an excellent start in last night's game (2 runs in the 1st), Albert Pujols and company quickly put in work to prevent being swept.  Albert went 4 for 4 with a HR, 2 runs batted in, and scored twice.  The top of the order for the Cardinals offense woke up from their slumber part at Tony's house.  Meanwhile, Chris Carpenter (8-8) was far better on the mound than Yovani Gallardo (13-8).

Yuni Betancourt continued to swing the hot bat for the Crew, going 3 for 4 on the evening.  Mark Kotsay started in LF for Ryan Braun (sat the entire game/rest) and he went 2 for 4 with a double.  Fielder also addded a hit and drove in a run.

Frankie De La Cruz made his Milwaukee Brewers debut after he was summoned from Nashville to fill in for Narveson. He gave up a hit and struck out 1.  The bullpen looked solid again against the Cardinals.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the Cards haven't scored against our pen this season?

Milwaukee is back home this weekend to play the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 3 game series.  The Pirates have fallen back to 3rd place (tied with Cincy) and they're 10 games behind Milwaukee.  This team fell apart at the seams when they lost that mis-call against the Braves in extra innings 2 weeks ago.  It didn't help that they cut Lyle Overbay after they brought in Derek Lee.  Why fix something that wasn't broken? 
Tonights Match up: Paul Maholm (6-12, 3.54 era) vs Zack Greinke (10-4, 4.21)
Saturday: Kevin Correia (12-10, 4.75) vs Marco Estrada (2-7, 4.50)
Sunday: Charlie Morton (9-6, 3.56) vs Shaun Marcum (10-3, 3.52)


For now on Team Wisconsin is going to have Cardinal Watch in order to keep tabs on Milwaukee's biggest rival during this pennant race.
The Cardinals added veteran reliever Arthur Rhodes to their pen.
Excellent article on LaRussa - Roenicke "feud", if you call it that.  LaRussa probably wants there to be some feud, but Ron Ron is too smart. 
St Louis will remain home for the weekend as they play the Rockies.  Here's a preview.  I can see them taking 2 of the 3 games.  Likewise with Milwaukee.