Cards end Rollins’ streak

Another day, two more hits for Albert. No home runs this time, but a single, and RBI and a run scored in the four-run fourth means Pujols was involved in half the Cardinals runs in the 4-2 victory. Albert’s hitting .500 in the first three games, with 6 RBI.  Aaron Miles had another good day at the plate, going 2-for-2 and scoring another run. Miles is hitting .636 on the young season, and LaRussa’s going to have a hard time prying him off second base with a crowbar. Juan Encarnacion even showed signs of breaking out a little, with two singles in 5 AB. Unfortunately, he left 5 more on base, for 15 over the first three games.

Jason Marquis pitched well, giving up his 2 ER in 5 1/3 innings, with 5 hits, 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. He even managed the Cards’ only extra-base hit with a double off losing pitcher Cory Lidle.

The biggest news, however, is that Jimmy Rollins was 0-4, snapping his 38 game hit streak.  Rollins needed two men to get on in the ninth, and Isringhausen shut the Phillies down in order. I was rooting for Rollins to get another at bat, but it didn’t happen.

Next up: home opener for the Cubs at Wrigley. Jeff Suppan (16-10, 3.57 in 2005) faces Greg Maddux (13-15, 4.24 in 2005) in the first 2006 start for each.