Smoltz Fits Right Into Cardinal Rotation

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  Just one start in, John Smoltz is contributing to a memorable run of Cardinal starting pitching.  The numbers show just how special the last month has been for a rotation that has struggled with injuries to its 4th and 5th member.

Cardinals Pitching Since July 27 – w/MLB Ranks

W-L                21-7 (.750)      1^st

ERA                2.91 (83/257.0)   1^st

-- Starters        2.97 (60/182.0)   2^nd  

-- Relievers       2.76 (23/75.0)    1^st

HR Allowed           16              1^st

BB per 9 IP        2.3 (65/257.0)   1^st

Save Pct           86.7% (13/15)    2^nd

  The numbers from STATS LLC also show just how remarkable Smoltz's first start as a Cardinal truely were.  Nine strikeouts over 5 shutout innings.

Most Strikeouts in Cardinals Debut, Since 1954

Sam Jones           11   APR-21-1957 vs. ChC (9.0 IP)

John Smoltz        9   AUG-23-2009 vs. SD (5.0)

Danny Cox           8   AUG-06-1983 vs. Phi (10.0)

Chuck Finley       8   JUL-21-2002 vs. Pit (6.0)

Seven players with 7