Adam Ulrey's Montreal Expos Diary

August 8, 2002 - Game 114
Cardinals finally break out of their slump, beat Expos 5-3

  Britt Rheames, the former Cardinal, had been pitching terrific ball until today. His former mates took out their frustrations on him, scoring five runs and knocking him out of the box after just two innings. Matt Morris was the star, winning his 13th game on the year going seven innings, giving up just seven hits and three runs, while striking out seven. He is now 13-7 on the year with an ERA of 3.46. He also contributed with the bat going 2-for-3 with a run scored.

The long ball did the damage as both Albert Pujols and Jim Edmonds each hit two-run homers to stop the Cardinals' seven-game losing streak. The Cardinals, who were outscored 45-14 and batted just .201 with a team ERA of 6.36 during the losing streak, avoided a sweep in the three-game series. St. Louis also with the win increased its NL Central lead to two games over the Astros and three games over the Reds. Pujols' 24th homer, and first since July 21st, ended a 58-inning drought without a long ball for the Cardinals. Edmonds hit his 23rd homer, and first for him since July 31st, into the upper deck in right field in the second for a 5-1 lead. Edgar Renteria added his 50th RBI of the year with a RBI single in the first off of Rheames.

Troy O'Leary did his part in trying to bring the Expos back getting two singles and driving in two runs to get the Expos within two, but it wasn't enough. Jason Isringhausen came on to pitch the final two innings to gain his 25th save in 29 chances. It was just the third two-inning save of Isringhausen's career. He lowered his ERA to 2.28. Isringhausen was well rested, working just 1 2/3 innings since July 25th, and told manager Tony LaRussa before the game he was ready to pitch. It's interesting that the Cardinals lead the all-time series with the Expos by just one game, 259-258.

Expos 3B Fernando Tatis, who did not start is in a 1-for-36 slump. Guerreo loves hitting against Morris, as he is 7-for-17 with three homers and five RBIs. The Expos just can't seem to put any type of winning streak together and now are back to .500 at 57-57.