Why Socolovich? Why there against Rizzo? - STLtoday.com
Louis Cardinals pitcher Miguel Socolovich reacts after inducing a groundout by Chicago Cubs' Anthony Rizzo with the bases loaded to end the top of the eighth inning during a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday,... LOUIS • With a bullpen drained by usage over the past five games and an aggressive approach in the season's first month, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny had to think beyond the at-bat that could twist Tuesday's game. In the eighth inning of Tuesday's 7-4 victory at Busch Stadium, the Cardinals smothered the Cubs' last best chance to cut into that lead. The Cubs loaded the bases when Dexter Fowler drew a two-out walk from Socolovich and that brought Anthony Rizzo to the plate. Rizzo was one of three players in the National League to hit more than 40 home runs last season. "We've got a three-run lead right there and Socolovich is our last righthander (available) until we get to Rosey," Matheny explained, referencing closer Trevor Rosenthal. The Cardinals have needed their relievers to throw more than 25 innings during the past five games, and they've thrown at least four innings in four consecutive games. Socolovich has appeared in three consecutive games — and has yet to allow a run in 2 2/3 innings. Signed as a free agent this past November, Socolovich last pitched in the majors in 2012 — for the Cubs. Source: www.stltoday.com
