Every game, it’s a different hero. Last night it was David Freese’s turn.

Freese drove in five of the Cardinals runs in their 6-5 victory over the Mets, two on a first inning triple and three on a seventh inning homer. Both hits were with two outs (and you can see them again here).

Another good number besides the RBIs and score: 1 1/2, which is what the Braves’ wild card lead is now down to after the Marlins’ victory last night.

Jaime Garcia earned his lucky 13th win and pitched 7 2/3 innings. The four runs he allowed were all unearned, thanks to a sloppy third inning.

After striking out the first two Mets, Garcia allowed a single to pitcher Chris Schwinden (his first career hit). A double by Jose Reyes followed. Garcia could have gotten out of the inning unscathed, as Angel Pagan hit a grounder right to Rafael Furcal … except the ball slid under Furcal’s glove. Two runs scored, followed by two more on consecutive hits by David Wright and Josh Satin. Garcia finally got another K to end the inning.

It then became a pitcher’s duel until the bottom of the seventh. And that’s when an old friend took the mound for the Mets — Miguel Batista.

Yes, The Poet was back at Busch and he had the opportunity to make up for some of the heartache he caused us all with his mediocre relieving as a Cardinal. Plus, as @2xaught 7 was the first to point out on Twitter, The Poet could benefit from the Cards’ success: “And here comes Miguel Batista with a potential playoff share on the line.”

How would The Poet treat his former teammates?

Poems for The Poet — Sept. 21
There you were, on the field at Busch once again,
The chance to help your former team in your return.
A ground-out by Furcal, a strikeout of Craig —
How disappointing, trusting you. Will we ever learn?

But there are three outs in an inning,
A fact that we all know well.
So when Albert singled to keep things going
We started to think you were swell.

Though you left the game after the hit,
The inning continued so Freese could be star of the night.
Winning game, moving up in the wild card — will they remember you?
After that single to Albert, your former teammates just might.

Obviously every game is a must-win for the Cardinals — there are only seven left. Today offers the opportunity to pick up a half-game on the Braves since they have the day off, making it extra crucial (if that’s even possible). It’s an afternoon game, at 12:45 p.m., with Chris Capuano and Jake Westbrook facing off.

And let’s hope it’s another winner. Because you never know …


Christine Coleman is the senior St. Louis Cardinals reporter for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or email aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.