The pundits who considered John Smoltz to be washed up are eating their words today after his performance on Sunday for St. Louis.
Smoltz had a brilliant debut with the Cardinals, striking out a season-high nine – including seven straight – and holding San Diego to three hits over five scoreless innings in a 5-2 victory.
Smoltz also had a bunt single and scored the first run for the NL Central-leading Cardinals, who retained their eight-game lead over the Chicago Cubs. He didn’t walk a batter.
Albert Pujols hit his 40th homer, a leadoff shot to right in the fourth. It was the 359th career home run for Pujols, tying him with former Cardinal Johnny Mize for 71st all-time.
After a rocky first inning where he gave up a single and had to pitch around a Brendan Ryan error, Smoltz was dominant.
Granted, with the exception of Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff, the Padres resemble a Triple-A team more than a major league club, but Smoltz’ pitches were so effective, it’s unlikely any team would have been able to do much against him.
Smoltz struck out the side in the second and third innings. His nine K’s were the most he’s had since last season while pitching for Atlanta.
Smoltz tossed a total of 75 pitches in his five innings of work, 53 of which went for strikes. He looked nothing like the pitcher that was released earlier this month by the Boston Red Sox.
After compiling a 2-5 record and an 8.33 ERA with Boston, Smoltz used the down time before signing with St. Louis to work out a mechanical error in his delivery.
Apparently, that time was well spent.
For the Cardinals, it was a welcomed boost to a weak back end of their starting rotation. With Kyle Lohse going on the 15-day DL on Friday and a variety of pitchers used as the fifth starter this year, Smoltz may very well give St. Louis the added depth they’ll need to advance deep in the playoffs.
With Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright and Joel Pineiro all pitching extremely well, St. Louis can now potentially use Smoltz as a spot fourth starter in the playoffs or they can shift him to the bullpen where he can be used as a setup man or in long relief.
With a 72-54 record and 36 games remaining, St. Louis probably needs about 20 more victories to wrap up the NL Central. Chicago, 62-60 with 40 games remaining, would have to finish 31-9 to pass the Cards’ under that scenario.
