Abbatacola: Coleman's Sinker Sinks The Cubs
by Matt Abbatacola--
Chicago (WSCR) Making his sixth start of the 2011 season, Casey Coleman, once again had command issues that led to a big inning for the Cardinals' offense.
In the top half of the second inning, Matt Holliday led-off with a home run on a 1-0 count. It was a sinker pitch that didn't sink. Four of the next six batters would reach with base hits including starting pitcher, Jaime Garcia. Tyler Greene was intentionally walked to load the bases to get to Garcia. He singled and scored Colby Rasmus giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead. A one out double by Jon Jay scored Yadier Molina and Greene. A sacrifice fly from Allen Craig scored Garcia from third before Albert Pujols flied out to end the inning. Nine batters went to the plate and Coleman gave up five hits and five runs.
After the game, Coleman said. "That inning every hit I gave up, was up a little bit".
"Command is so important for him." Said Mike Quade. "He's another guy that can't get away ... with the ball up."
Coleman (1-3 7.22) finished 4 1/3 IP with 9 hits and 6 earned runs on 82 pitches.
It's been a hard role for the young pitcher trying to fill-in for injured teammates. "Now you just want to do so well for your team. Sometimes I put a little too much pressure on myself or work too quick."
The only Cubs offense came in the sixth inning off of Garcia when Byrd, Ramirez, and Baker all singled to score the lone Cubs' run. Baker went 3-for-4 and will start tomorrow for Ramirez at third who is out for personal reasons, but will return Saturday.
Garcia completed seven innings giving up 9 hits and striking out 3 on 84 pitches.
Marlon Byrd extended his hitting streak to a season-high 13 games with a single in the sixth.
The Cubs had 39 hits and scored 16 runs against St. Louis in the series and fell to 2-4 on the homestand. They begin a weekend series with San Francisco on Friday afternoon.
