Cards 6, Padres 2

Thursday's St. Louis - San Deigo game was another early one - I think it started at 4pm Central Time. I guess ESPN didn't have high hopes for this series since they didn't give it any solid prime time slots (Game 3 will air at 11pm on the east coast). Mulder looked good in Game 2, only allowing 1 earned run in 6.2 innings. Despite the score, Padres out hit the Cardinals 10 to 6. The Padres also got 13 hits in game 1. This should offer some hope to Padres' fans - their offense is only one or two timely hits away from splitting or taking both of the first games. While Moulder gave up eight of those hits, he only allowed one run and got some timely defense in the form of 4 double plays. The Cardinals' offense was very efficient - getting six runs on six hits. Walks are a big part of the story here: the Cards drew 5 while the Padres only got 2.

Game 3 is at San Deigo. San Deigo must win to stay alive - good pitching will be the key. Cards can't get complacent - the margin of victory in the first two games was deceptive and a home crowd might be all the Padres need to tip the balance.