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The St. Louis Cardinals recently went through a slump so bad that even experienced experts were about ready to count them out in at least the race for the National League Central division. It seems that everyone who thought otherwise is finding out that the Cardinals had a reason not to be too worried. They somehow must have known that everyone that was injured, Yadier Molina mainly, would return and suddenly everyone would be back to the form they had before the all-star break.
With a strong win in the second game of the Atlanta Braves series, Adam Wainwright and the Cardinals seem to be showing the Braves that it is possible to overcome the bad times even when they seem very bad. There is a measure of redemption for the team in this strong performance against the team that started their long losing streak before. A complete game victory by the Cardinals is a big statement to the Braves as far as the postseason is concerned and to the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates for the pennant race.
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The message seems loud and clear. Recognize that the Cards are here to play for keeps and if they do not win the division, they’ll just fight their way through like they did last season. Once again the Cardinals look every bit as good as the Braves or the Los Angeles Dodgers. What a difference a few games can make. The Braves would do well to take the hard defeats they are getting now as a good sign that their own down time of being injured will end soon as well.
I doubt it was that easy to think that as they passed a few game-tying situations without their big man Jason Heyward. It might not have mattered with the way Wainwright was pitching on this night anyway. All signs are good for the Cardinals. They just have to keep the pressure on the Pirates and try to regain that lead. This time if they get it, they’ll make darn sure not to lose it.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
