Mondays can be dreary, especially in mid-September when it’s still pitch black outside at 6 a.m. But not this Monday. We all have reasons to be happy.

And, since Mondays are when we often will do picture posts, let’s stick with that today.

The Cardinals ended THE BIGGEST ROAD TRIP IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD the best way they could: with a 5-2 win over the Dodgers in 12 innings.

Of course Allen Craig drove in the first run, and in the first inning on a double that scored Matt Holliday. The Wrench currently has a 10-game hitting streak, which obviously includes every game of THE BIGGEST ROAD TRIP. He’s now hitting .308 and has 82 RBI.

We all know the saying that lead-off walks by a pitcher will come back to haunt — or at least send the game to extra innings, right? Adam Wainwright’s walk of Matt Treanor to start the bottom of the third meant Andre Ethier’s home run tied the game. But, walk and homer aside, Waino went six innings and allowed five total hits with four strikeouts and two walks.

On Sept. 17, 2011, Trevor Rosenthal pitched his way to the Midwest League Championship for the Quad Cities River Bandits. Yesterday he pitched two scoreless innings at Dodger Stadium, striking out four — including Andre Ethier and Matt Kemp.

Shelby Miller, who was a River Bandit in 2010, pitched the 11th inning, allowing just a Hanley Ramirez single. He also picked up his first major league win thanks to …

Jon Jay, who doubled to drive in Matt Carpenter in the top of the 12th. The Cardinals added to their lead when Allen Craig (of course!) singled to drive in Jay, and Yadier Molina was walked with the bases loaded. In addition, Yadi once again caught Dee Gordon trying to steal — and this time the umpire even got the call correct.

Jason Motte earned his 35th save, which was a nice bounce-back after Saturday night’s awfulness.

So, right now, the wild card standings look like this.

The Brewers also are now in third place in the NL Central. Oh, Pirates …

After last night’s game came some news also.

This guy will be doing this in a game on Friday at Wrigley Field. You know, just two months and two days after having “season-ending” surgery to remove a rib to alleviate the nerve condition he had. Read more about CC from Jenifer Langosch here and from Joe Strauss here. Does the term “BAMF” even describe Chris Carpenter anymore? There needs to be a new superlative beyond that created just for him.

(Yes, I bought a ticket for Friday’s game last night.)

The Cardinals have the day off today — a much needed break after THE BIGGEST ROAD TRIP IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD and a chance to gear up for the final 15 games. The Astros are in town for three games starting tomorrow 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.