Sure, a lot of great things happened in last night’s 8-6 St. Louis Cardinals win over the Cincinnati Reds.

But there’s only one moment you’re still reliving this morning. Only one play you’re talking about with every Cardinals fan you see.

Of course it’s this.

Photo: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

What else?

The Reds were up 5-4 in the bottom of the seventh, bases loaded and the only Cardinal you’d want up in that situation coming to the plate — Allen Craig. The man who rules all when there are runners in scoring position.

One pitch from J.J. Hoover.

One swing from Craig.

Seeing is always better than reading.

How in the world is that his first-ever grand slam? It was Allen’s 10th at-bat this season with the bases loaded, and he now has seven hits — two doubles plus that homer are the extra-base hits plus he has 20 RBI. He’s hitting .700/.583/1.200 with the bases loaded.

As for his insane RISP numbers, those are now .452/.500/.637 with 11 doubles, four homers and 81 RBI. Yes, 81 of his 95 RBI this season have come with runners in scoring position.

What more can even be said?

Maybe you’d just like to see some pictures instead? Check out these photos from Fox Sports Midwest of Allen’s blast.

There is something more to be said about the comeback victory, though: it puts the Cardinals in sole possession of first place for the first time since July 29. That is always a welcome place to be.

And remember when the Cardinals coming back was a rare occurrence? Here’s an interesting tidbit from Tim Trokey: the Cards came back from a three-run deficit once in the first 117 games this year. In the last 14 games, they’ve done it three times.

Timing is everything, as the saying goes. Especially when your team is in a battle to win the division.

The comeback also gave Carlos Martinez his first major league victory with his two innings in relief of Tyler Lyons (who had some good moments, but was hurt by the defense) and Edward Mujica earned his 35th save. Matt Holliday also continued his hot August with his fifth homer of the month, a three-run blast that put the Cards on the board.

Tonight is game two of the series, with a great pitching match-up: Mat Latos against Joe Kelly.

In case you’re wondering, Allen Craig is three for nine against Latos for his career, with a double and an RBI.


Christine Coleman is the lead writer for Aaron Miles’ Fastball. Follow her on Twitter, @CColeman802, or email aaronmilesfastball@gmail.com. Also follow @AMilesFastball for the latest updates.