Ryhnn

Well it's time for interleague play, and I've gotten the first game of things taken care of on the simulation, so let's see how it compares yet again. If memory serves me right without looking, the last time I did this for the Reds and Cardinals, it didn't turn out anything like the real game, so it's time for take two.

The starting lineups used are indeed the ones that are in place for tonight's game, so hopefully that helps keep things more realistic, if such a thing exists in a game.

Angels:

SS Erick Aybar
2B Howard Kendrick
LF Bobby Abreu
CF Torii Hunter
1B Kendry Morales
RF Juan L. Rivera
C  Mike Napoli
3B Brandon Wood
P  Joel Pineiro

Cardinals:

SS Felipe Lopez
RF Ryan Ludwick
LF Matt Holliday
1B Albert Pujols
CF Colby Rasmus
3B David Freese
C  Yadier Molina
2B Skip Schumaker
P  Brad Penny

Well this one again is one I hope that doesn't turn out the way it simulated, both teams cranked out 9 hits a piece, but with 2 out in the top of the 9th inning, Ryan Franklin surrendered a 3 run home run to Howie Kendrick that proved to be the difference maker, and the Cardinals fell to the Angels 5-3.

Some notable stats from the game, Cardinals SP Brad Penny went 8 innings and scattered 8 hits, only giving up 2 earned runs while striking out 8. Joel Pineiro turned in a quality start as well in his return to St. Louis, but was pulled after 6 and a third innings and giving up 8 hits, 3 runs, 2 earned, and struck out 4 batters. Fernando Rodney and Brian Fuentes pitched the final 2 and 2 thirds, with Rodney just giving up one hit.

As far as the hitting goes, Yadier Molina and Colby Rasmus had the only extra base hits for the Cardinals, both with one double and one RBI a piece. Bobby Abreu recorded the only double for the Angels, as well as their lone error. Morales and Kendrick both hit home runs, the Morales shot being a solo home run off of Penny.  Matt Holliday was the only Cardinal starter to not record a base hit, Lopez and Schumaker were the only ones to record two hits, however. Those fortunes were nearly reversed for the Angels, with Aybar and Wood the only starters to not record a hit, and Kendrick, Abreu, and Kendrick all recording 2 hits.

Rodney picked up the win in relief, with Fuentes getting the save, and Ryan Franklin was charged with his first loss of the season.

Let's certainly hope this is another simulated failure, and hope the Cardinals start off the series with a win.