But on the 100th game of the season, the Cardinals' record hit 50-50 because they squandered a rookie starter's historic debut. The defense looked good. But the offense went missing, and the baserunning should not go overlooked as a major factor in Monday's 2-1 walk-off loss to the Reds.
The Cardinals got their starting pitching. They even played good defense. It was everything else that fell apart. And that is the image of this team at the 100-game mark, isn't it? A couple of pistons firing while the others are just along for the ride.
Daniel Poncedeleon made national news for holding a potent Reds lineup to zero hits through seven innings.