Ex-pitcher-turned-slugger Rick Ankiel continued his story-book season last night, breaking open a tie game against the Pirates in the 2nd with a two-run homer and finishing the game with a career-high 7 RBIs. The Cardinals ended up trouncing the Pirates 16-4. On the seven-game home stand Ankiel's batting .440 with 19 homers, 5 homers, and 11 runs.
"He's been putting up Nintendo numbers," said a teammate. Ankiel's performance was particularly impressive considering the timing—the Cardinals are just a game out of first place in the National League Central, making every game a near must-win. Kelvin Jimenez got the win, striking out Jason Bay with the bases loaded in the second and the score tied up. (More St. Louis Cardinals stories.)