Matt Holliday Shines in Cardinals Debut

Sports Betting News - July 25th, 2009 - Written by Bruce

Matt Holliday made quite an impression in his first game with the St. Louis Cardinals. Holliday who was acquired by St. Louis on Friday from the Oakland Athletics wasted little time making an impact going 4-5 in his first game with the Cardinals. In a match up of two NL divison leaders, St. Louis looked impressive earning the road victory against the defending World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies 8-1. Cardinal's starting pitcher Joel Pineiro looked strong pitching six scoreless innings which earned him the victory.

The Cardinals are hoping that Holliday will bolster their lineup and provide some protection for their slugger Albert Pujols. If last night's game was any indication, Holliday may very well be a perfect fit for this St. Louis ball club. Holliday batted 4th last night right behind Pujols and provided the Cardinals with plenty of protection for their All Star slugger. In his very first at bat with the team he connected on a single, stole second base, and then came around to score on a two out hit by Rick Ankiel. Holliday went on to have his 15th career four hit game making a big statement to his new St. Louis teammates. If he can consistently produce behind Pujols, the Cardinals will be a very tough team to deal with as the season progresses.

The win gave the Cardinals (53-46) back to back victories putting them 1.5 games ahead of both the Cubs and Astros for the NL Central lead. The Phillies (54-40) have been red hot, losing for only the second time in the last 13 games, and they maintain a 5.5 game lead in the NL East division over both the Marlins and Braves. The Cardinals also acquired former Red Sox player Julio Lugo this week and he impressed last night as well in his team debut hitting a home run and a triple. The new look St. Louis lineup may make the always scary Albert Pujols an even more dangerous hitter giving him better pitches to hit. If the Cardinals can remain healthy they are going to be a major player in the national league making the route to this world series a tough one.