The Price is Wainwright

After spending the entire 2011 season on the disabled list Adam Wainwright seems to be back in his all star form. In 2009 and 2010 Wainwright sported back to back seasons with a sub 3 ERA to show he is an elite starter in the MLB. In the spring training of 2011 Wainwright had to have Tommy John surgery which seems to be a regular injury among pitchers.

Last night Wainwright pitched against the San Diego Padres which ended up being his best start of the season. A complete game shutout victory with 9 strikeouts. Wainwright only allowed 1 walk and 4 hits, he was absolutely dominant. His velocity is back, but it was more about the movement on Tuesday night. His slider had enormous break and averaged about 90 MPH.

Wainwrights success will be important with the loss of Berkman for 6-8 weeks due to a torn meniscus. Additionally Chris Carpenter's injuries. Wainwright has to be the Wainwright of old and be the ace of the Cardinals.

Start of the Week

Matt Cain making another appearance on this blog. 

This weeks start of the week goes to Matt Cain. No not Matt Cain's shutout against The Phillies, but his Shutout against The Pirates. One week ago today Matt Cain pitched a complete game shutout against The Pittsburgh Pirates.

On April 13, 2012 Matt Cain's performance was the best of the season so far. He gave up only 1 hit and 0 walks while striking out 11 batters. The one hit came from the opposing pitcher. Matt Cain's next start should be against The Reds.

A Good Ol' Pitching Duel

In San Francisco last night 2 aces went head to head. Cliff Lee and Matt Cain are both racking up the big bucks now, but who will come out on top. Cliff Lee came into the game coming off a rocky outing against The Mets in his past. Matt Cain is coming into the game to follow up a shutout against The Pirates.

Matt Cain was going hard giving up just 2 hits and 1 walk while racking up 4 strikeouts. He did the preceding over 9 innings of scoreless ball. As for Cliff Lee what could I say about his performance? Lee gave up 7 hits but no walks and collected 7 strikeouts over 10 scoreless innings of work. Yes you read it correctly; a 10 inning shutout. Both pitchers would get a no decision, but The Giants would win in the 11th inning on a walk off single by Melky Cabrera scoring Brandon Belt.

The Giants win 1-0 in a great game!