On Memorial Day 2012, a quick update on the St. Louis Cardinals before today’s early game against the Atlanta Braves.

First, on this holiday, a remembrance and gratitude to all those who have given their lives to serve and protect the United States.

Now, back to baseball.

Yes, today is the real holiday — so Ricky Horton’s “Holliday getting a hit off Halladay on a holiday” quip yesterday that was much repeated on Twitter was a little premature. Ah well, that Holliday hit — and Yadi’s grand slam — off Roy Halladay sent Doc out of the game after two innings.

The Cards hits didn’t stop, though, as Matt Adams hit his first big-league homer to lead off the sixth. (Just like all of us River Bandits fans saw him do only two years ago here in the Quad Cities!) Read more about Adams and his big day here.

Carlos Beltran hit his NL-leading 15th homer in the fifth as the Cards pounded the Phillies 8-3. It also was another very good outing for Adam Wainwright as well, as he pitched six innings and allowed one earned run on seven hits.

The temperature was very hot in St. Louis yesterday, which caused Yadi to leave the game during a fifth inning at-bat.

“I was seeing the pitcher, like three pitchers,” he said. “That wasn’t a good feeling. I stepped out of the box, and when I looked out at the pitcher, I was kind of dizzy. It was scary. It’s the first time it’s happened to me.”

But he will be fine, according to Nate Latsch:

“I feel good,” Molina said. “I got the IV. I’m feeling better.”

To catch you up on some of the other injured Cardinals:

• Jon Jay is heading to extended spring training in Jupiter, Fla., as he works his way back from a shoulder sprain.
• If yesterday’s Fox Sports Midwest pre-game look back at Game Five of last year’s NLDS had you longing to see Chris Carpenter pitch again, he is making a step toward that happening. He’s stepping up his rehab and will begin throwing again soon.
• And, in case you missed it as this long weekend began, Lance Berkman is just like the Terminator now that he’s had successful knee surgery: he’ll be back.

As mentioned above, today’s game is early — 12:10 p.m. Central Time. The Braves lost their seventh straight game last night. And, as you well remember, they swept the Cards in St. Louis just over two weeks ago. Hmmm, could be interesting. Lance Lynn faces off against Tommy Hanson today.


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.