ST. LOUIS -- Jordan Hicks' ability to throw multiple innings essentially gives Cardinals manager Mike Matheny two distinct bullpen strategies: one when Hicks pitches, and another when he doesn't.
When Hicks is unavailable, Matheny has shown a tendency to piece together the late innings by playing matchups. When Hicks can throw, Matheny can try to ram through the final frames using fewer pitchers. The latter strategy was on display in Tuesday's 6-5 loss to the Mets in 10 innings, the first example of a time this season that it didn't work.
Exhausted of his top relievers, in the 10th, Matheny turned to long reliever Matt Bowman, who allowed a go-ahead solo home run to Jay Bruce.