A Disappearance

The Cardinals, in another game resembling a playoff atmosphere, defeated the Bucs 4 - 2 in 2:49 tonight at Busch Stadium. This match-up featured two of the best starting pitchers in the National League and both of these hurlers are only 24 years old. Both of these pitchers pitched well although they were not helped by the sloppy play behind them. The highlight and oddity of the game was that the Cards catcher collected a double, triple and stolen base in the same game. This had not happened to the Cardinals since 1939. An oddity I also observed occurred when the Cards took there 2-run in the bottom of the 6th inning. The Pirates, a very very good team (2nd best in the NL) looked defeated after the Redbirds took the lead. I even said "They're done." This was odd to me because for the past 3 seasons I have respected this team as one that plays the game right and plays it with confidence. That persona disappeared tonight.