Focus on the positive, right?

Joe Kelly’s first major league performance went very well today. His outing lasted into the sixth inning — he was lifted after allowing a lead-off single. In five innings, he allowed one earned run on a sacrifice fly and gave up seven hits while striking out four and walking only one.

The rest of Cardinal Nation had the chance to see what Tara and I and other River Bandits fans have known for two years now: the kid can pitch. He seemed comfortable out there, and worked his way out of a couple of minor jams.

Couldn’t really ask for much more from him today.

Then there was the rest of the game.

Well …

Marc Rzepczynski pitching a scoreless inning! Yes, an entire inning this time! Only allowed one hit. Victor Marte and Mitchell Boggs had scoreless innings as well.

Oh, and Carlos Beltran hit a homer — his 18th, adding to his National League lead.

Let’s see, what else …

Hey, did I mention Joe Kelly? How about those glasses he has?

The Cardinals lost the game 4-1 and thus the series to the Indians. The Cards had plenty of opportunities to score — they had the bases loaded in the bottom of the eighth when the score was still 1-1 with only one out and Yadier Molina at the plate. Yadi, batting third again today, looked unlike himself and quickly swung at the first two pitches before battling and ultimately striking out. Next up was Allen Craig … and another K.

Jason Motte came into the game for the top of the ninth. It was not pretty — he gave up a lead-off single to Johnny Damon and walked Asdrubal Cabrera before allowing a home run to Jason Kipnis.

Former Cardinal Chris Perez came in for the bottom of the ninth to close it out for the Indians, and got the job done quickly and efficiently.

Oh, and he had a reaction to ending the game that perfectly captured the feelings of Cardinals fans everywhere.

Tomorrow is a day off for the Cardinals before the first-place Chicago White Sox arrive for a three-game series starting Tuesday night.


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.