It wouldn’t be a surprise in the past, but with only twelve home runs on the year, it is. Chase belted his thirteenth of the season over the right field ridge that had been christened “Utley’s Corner” by Mets announcers last season. Ryan Howard followed up with a rocket to straightaway center that leaves Mr. September on second base. Raul Valdes leaves the game after just one inning of work. Sean Green takes his place.
After a Chris Carpenter solo shot (his 3rd RBI of the day) and a Brian McCann single, the Braves and Cards stand at 4-2 in favor of St. Louis in the bottom of the 6th. Carpenter is still going strong, while Bobby Cox has already dipped into his bullpen.