Tonight was game 2 of the MVP 2005 reenactment of the 2011 World Series. Sean started Chan Ho Park for the Rangers and I started Chris Carpenter for the Cardinals. Carpenter was the really the story of the game, spinning 7 innings of 3 hit shutout ball and getting the win as St. Louis jumped ahead 2-0 in the series with a 2-0 win.
Park went 6 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits. The first Cardinal run scored on a 3 base error by first basemen Mark Teixeira and a RBI hit by Yadier Molina. A couple innings later, Larry Walker, who was moved down from the 2 spot to the 4 hole for this game, hit a ball just over the right field wall for a solo shot. The Texas bullpen threw 2 perfect innings and the Jason Isringhausen-less Cardinal ‘pen made it work with Ray King in his normal role in the 8th and Julian Tavarez taking over the closer spot and tossing a perfect 9th for the save.
Whereas in game 1 I totally out managed Sean to win our 16 inning marathon, this game was characterized more by good fundamental baseball and quality pitching. The Rangers just couldn’t string anything together and for the second straight game lost while their opponent only scored 2 runs.
As Cardinal’s manager, I’m feeling pretty confident after game 2. I won both games at home and am in the drivers seat headed back to Texas. Sean needs to figure out how to hit quickly or my Albert Pujols led offense will end this series in only 4.
Stat of the Day: Lindsey Lohan is going to pose for Playboy.
-Max Frankel
