I guess Looper was worried about the chili situ as well, and decided it would be safer if he just took matters into his own hands.9 shut-out innings, 3 hits, 4 strike-outs, and didn't walk anybody.
"It was a good, solid game, but the guy that deserves most of the credit is the pitcher," manager Tony La Russa said. "He set the tone."
Of course, he batted before he ever threw a pitch, and his teammates gave him a 5-run lead to take to the mound in the bottom of the first. That can certainly help a guy have a good game. But Tony's right. Braden was on his game and very sharp all night.
Albert's going to miss at least three weeks with a strained calf. We'll see if he's back for the ASG. Actually, if the Cards can keep things going without him, I wouldn't expect anybody to hurry him back before he's ready. Anybody but Albert, that is.
Did you see Soriano get clipped by that pitch last night? I was worried about his face, but apparently it broke his hand. He's going to miss 6 weeks....
