A quick comment on both Martinez’ – the Cards do not win the division without them.
On to the game. While Carlos could not bring it home, the real problem is the offense. You score one run in 18 innings, chances are you will lose both games. We were fortunate to even have a shot at winning today in that Waino matched Soroka pitch for pitch.
I felt Shildt should have at least attempted one bunt with DeJong in the 8th. You have first and second, no out, one run game, you simply have to get a run in that situation. My fear was DeJong would hit into a DP, but fortunately he got the ball out of the infield. But the right call was to move the runners over, and so at least one sacrifice attempt should have been tried.
I also disagreed with the pass to McCann. The old “never out the winning run on base” thing was nagging at me when they went that way. But it was a full discussion on the mound and the consensus was to put him on, it just did not work.
Back to the 8th, after DeJong’s fly out Bader ran us out of the inning. But had he got to third Fowler’s fly would have plated a run. Hard in a way to put too much criticism on Harry – he was trying to make something happen.
If tomorrow’s game is a close lead late, I think you go to Mikolas as the end guy. But it will be all hands on, so anyone except Mad Jack could be expected to pitch.