Cardinals take early lead in decisive NLDS Game 5 after a David Freese two-run homer

By Drew SilvaOct 9, 2013, 8:43 PM EDT
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Cardinals postseason legend David Freese has struck in this loser-heads-home NLDS Game 5.

What looked like a brewing pitcher’s duel suddenly turned into an early 2-0 lead for host St. Louis when Freese launched a two-run homer to left field with two outs in the bottom of the second inning, setting off a round of fireworks at Busch Stadium. Jon Jay drew a two-out walk in an eight-pitch at-bat off Pirates starter Gerrit Cole to set up the big two-run blast.

Freese — including this year’s results — is a .325/.391/.593 hitter in 35 postseason games.

Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright has held the Pirates to one hit in his first two frames.

Carlos Carrasco pitched in game action

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By Craig CalcaterraAug 20, 2019, 3:10 PM EDT
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Indians starter Carlos Carrasco was diagnosed with leukemia earlier this summer. He’d been out since June. Despite that diagnosis, he and the Indians insisted that he would make every effort to come back this year. Yesterday he took a big step in that direction, making his first rehab appearance at Double-A Akron.

He only tossed one inning, walking one batter and striking out another. He thew 16 pitches but cranked it up to 97 with his first offering. Not too shabby.

It’s unclear what the timetable is for him returning to Cleveland. If they intend to use him as a starter again he’ll obviously need several more appearances to get stretched out. If he’s to be used as a reliever, fewer obviously. What his stamina level is and will be is also an open question.

However that gets sorted out, it’s good so have him back in action.