Click to vote at the bottom of the post!

First, let’s start with the positive: the Cardinals won, the Pirates lost, the division lead is now two with eight games remaining in the regular season.

Getting to that win … yeah.

Not exactly easy to say “all’s well that ends well” when Edward Mujica melted down yet again and turned a 6-4 Cardinals lead to 6-6 by allowing three hits, a walk and the game-tying runs — all while getting just one out (even though the box score “officially” shows John Axford with the blown save). Mujica’s September ERA (to follow up on what I wrote about yesterday) is now 9.45 and he’s blown three of his last five save chances.

After Carlos Beltran hit a sacrifice fly to put the Cards back on top in the 10th — off former Card Michael Blazek, who was traded for Axford and thus produced this odd notification on my phone once the game ended — it was Carlos Martinez who pitched the bottom of the inning and recorded a 1-2-3 save following a quick talking-to from Yadier Molina after going 2-0 to the first batter he faced.

That was excellent to see. Could he be the new closer? Today’s his 22nd birthday. That would be a nice gift.

Or is it be time for Trevor Rosenthal, who so many have been clamoring for all season?

There also is the option — gulp — of John Axford, who was Matheny’s choice once he removed Mujica.

What do you think? Vote below.

Maybe tonight’s game can be a little less drama-filled … then again, Lance Lynn is starting. He faces Yovani Gallardo starting at 6:05 p.m. Central Time.


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.