Blue Jays 5 - 0 Cardinals
Final
  for this game

Romero aims to get on track as Blue Jays battle Cardinals

Jun 26, 2011 - 2:43 PM

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(Sports Network) - Toronto's Ricky Romero has been a victim of some tough-luck losses this season, but the young hurler will look to make his own luck this afternoon when he takes the hill for the Blue Jays in the finale of a three- game set against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

Romero comes into this matchup with an impressive 2.98 earned run average, but his record does not run parallel with that ERA, because the southpaw is just 6-7 at this time.

The last time Romero was on the bump he went seven strong innings against Atlanta. He allowed only two runs and struck out four batters, but because of a lack of run support he landed in the loss column.

Romero has made only one start against the Cardinals in his young career, but it was a dominating effort, as he tossed eight scoreless innings. Romero did not factor in the decision, but he scattered eight hits and struck out five.

As for the Cardinals, they will turn to Kyle McClellan, who is now winless in his last four starts. However, the last time the right-hander was on the mound he tossed a great game against the Phillies. In seven innings McClellan allowed just one run, but the bullpen did not pull their weight and it took a win away from the 27-year-old.

McClellan has been a solid arm at home this season for the Cardinals and is six starts at Busch Stadium he is 3-1 with a 3.89 earned run average.

Yesterday, Juan Rivera hit a three-run homer and Edwin Encarnacion smacked a solo shot, as the Blue Jays beat the Cardinals, 6-3.

Carlos Villanueva (5-1) limited the Cardinals to two runs in six innings to pick up the win, which came a little bit easier than Friday's.

Jose Bautista homered in the ninth inning of the series opener to lift the Jays to a 5-4 victory, but Saturday, they plated five runs in the third inning alone.

While four of them were unearned, the rally still meant St. Louis starter Jaime Garcia (6-3) took the loss. He pitched seven innings, giving up five hits and walking four.

"I don't think he's real happy with his game," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said of Garcia. "That's a good example: walk the first two guys, that really puts you in the position where something bad could happen."

Matt Holliday grounded into a double play with runners on the corners to put the Cardinals on the board in the first inning, but the Blue Jays took control soon after.

St. Louis took two of three meetings from June 22-24 last year against Toronto. The Blue Jays won a three-game series up north during the 2005 campaign after St. Louis swept a three-game set in 2003 at Busch Stadium.






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