Rick Ankiel provided the offensive firepower, and the cannon attached to his left shoulder shot down the Rockies twice. Ankiel hit a solo homer in the eighth that proved to be the difference in a 6-5 game. He also threw out Willy Tavares attempting to tag up and move to third. Then added another incredible throw to nail Omar Quintanilla trying to stretch a double into a triple.
His support helped Branden Looper to the best start of his career. He went 8.1 innings giving up four runs, an effort that earned him his fifth win of the season. He also had two hits at the plate, including a double, a run and an RBI. Ryan Ludwick had a huge game going 4-4, and walking his other plate appearance.
Chris Iannetta hit his third homer of the year for the Rockies, one of two hits. He also drove in three of the Rockies runs and scored two. Clint Barmes had three hits from the eight spot in the lineup, two going for doubles.
Mark Redman was roughed up by the Cardinals, lasting just 2.2 innings. He allowed nine hits and five runs in the short outing.
The Cardinals now stand at 22-12, one of the best records in MLB. Jeff Francis, winless on the year, will try to cool off the Cards while trying to pick up a win at last.
