A Penguin in the Orchard

Wednesday night, you can’t do anything but give the Hero to Chris Carpenter.  A complete game, resting a bullpen that was short members due to release, recent use, or nagging injury.  One run over those nine, with five strikeouts and an impressive piece of pitching in the fifth, when he had bases loaded with nobody out and was able to emerge unscathed.

Via C70 At The Bat

I couldn’t agree more. When Caprenter got out of the bases-loaded, no-outs 5th inning, it just felt like the game was over. I hope it’s a sign of things to come.

Franklin, an All-Star closer in 2009 and a bit less dominant in 2010, has been terrible this season. His latest blowup Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles was the final straw for the Redbirds. Franklin got one out, allowed three hits, one home run and two runs, bumping his ERA to 8.46 this season. He’s also allowed nine home runs in 27 2/3 innings.

Via Sporting News