Monday brought a bounce-back victory for the Cardinals, after losing the rubber game of the 3 game series to the Chicago Cubs. A sweep from the Marlins is what the Cardinals need to keep pace in the NL Wild Card with the Milwaukee Brewers. The 4-2 victory Monday night wasn’t much of an offensive explosion for either team. Joel Pineiro took the mound against Anibal Sanchez, who pitched a no-hitter in 2004. Pinerio pitched seven strong innings, gave up two runs, only one being earned, and fanned four.

Scoring got started early as the Cardinals plated one in the first inning. Rick Ankiel, who had been battling an abdominal strain, singled in the first to bring newly signed Cardinal Felipe Lopez to pay dirt. Pineiro gave up the two runs in the first and second inning, and that was it for the Florida Marlins. In the fourth-inning, the Cards were put on top for good by a Yadier Molina two-run homer to deep left. That homer being the first for Molina since June 20th. Although, Yadi hasn’t had a lot of pop in the bat this year, he’s been a consistent offensive performer. He’s the hardest player in the NL to strikeout, while batting the highest he has in his career, .304. The Cardinals were leading 3-2 heading into the ninth-inning. Joe Mather, who has shown the Cardinals that he possesses power, hit a solo homer to left-center field, putting the Cardinals up by two. With a two run lead, Chris Perez came on for the save, and has put and end to the woes in the back end of the bullpen for the Cardinals. At least for the time being. The flame-throwing right-hander stifled Marlins hitters, after walking Dan Uggla. Uggla was thrown out trying to steal second base by Yadier Molina, with Wes Helms and Cody Ross both striking out to end the game.

Rick Ankiel has come back and looks like he’s at 100% after an abdominal strain held him out of the starting line-up for nearly two weeks. Ankiel will be a good asset to have back on the field both offensively and defensively. Chris Perez looks to be stepping into the closers role nicely and has somewhat sured up the tail end of the bullpen. Down the stretch the Cardinals are going to need all the help they can get while they try to chase down Milwaukee, and Chicago.