WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — After Tommy Edman had helped the Cardinals take the lead in an instant, he found himself in a hole in a hurry.
The Cardinals’ switch-hitting second baseman, batting for the third time Wednesday night — but for the first time from the right side — watched a first-pitch strike from lefthanded Astros reliever Brooks Raley. He promptly fouled off the second. He was down 0-2, and his perfect night (two for two) was in jeopardy here in the fifth inning.
Edman stepped out, studied the barrel of his bat and took a slow, golf-like practice swing.