SAN DIEGO _ The most striking item in the box score of the Cardinals game with the San Diego Padres at sold-out Petco Park Saturday night probably will be the seven runs the Cardinals relievers allowed to score in the seventh inning, spoiling a strong outing by starter Carlos Martinez.
But, don't overlook that strikeout total by Cardinals batters. Sixteen of them went down on strikes _ Peter Bourjos actually legged his out to reach base safely _ and six of those came with men in scoring position as the Cardinals bowed to the Padres, 8-0.