Redbirds take 2 of 3 from Jints

The San Francisco Giants got off to a hot start in a three game inter-division series against the St. Louis Cardinals, nipping the Redbirds 3-2. Juan Marichal pitched eight strong innings to get his first win, while Rich Aurilia continued his hot hitting by slamming two home runs and driving in all three. Lefty Larry Jaster took the loss.

The series moved to St. Louis, with young Steve Carlton making his first start against veteran Giant lefty Mike McCormick. Cartlon went a solid 8 1/3 innings striking out five, while Mark McGwire and Mike Matheny looked like a latter day “M&M” combo, each hitting two-run homers. St. Louis won 6-2, with McCormick dropping to 2-2 in the process.  Aurilia homered again, his eighth of the season.

The rubber matched pitted former Cardinal (who has made two starts for this Redbird club) Ray Sadecki against Bob Gibson. Both starters had their strikeout pitch working, but they also were wild. Sadecki struck out 8 in only 5 innings, but walked 6. Gibby fanned 9 over 8 innings, walking 5.

With the game tied at 3 going into the eighth, the Giants took a one-run lead in the top half when JT Snow completed a 4-for-4 day with a long home run to center field. The Cardinals came back in the bottom half with two outs, none on, to score 2. Fernando Vina drew a one-out pinch-hit base on balls off reliever Ron Herbel, only to be caught stealing in a busted hit-and-run attempt by Edgar Renteria. Renteria then singled, and Placido Polanco walked. McGwire then doubled home both runners to give St. Louis the lead 5-4.  Joe Hoerner pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to preserve the win.

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