Adam Wainwright Returns to Form as Cardinals Blank Padres

Two years ago, Adam Wainwright was locked in a three-way battle for the Cy Young award.  He eventually lost

out, but had a fantastic year.  Last year, he was lost for the entire season due to injury.  Upon his return for the 2012 season, many hoped he would be able to show the same success as he did in 2010, but not everyone was convinced he could.  And for a while there, it looked like he had lost some of his stuff.  Last night proved he’s still got it.

Wainwright tossed a complete game shut-out against the Friars.  In his nine innings of work, he allowed just four hits and struck out nine.  He dominated.  Edinson Volquez was solid, but without any run support took the loss.  Volquez pitched six innings, walked four, allowed five hits, and gave up three runs.

Carlos Beltran doubled home Matt Carpenter in the first inning to give the Cardinals and Adam Wainwright an early lead to work with.  They added on in the sixth when Volquez’s control left him momentarily.  In the innings, Volquez hit Daniel Descalso and walked Yadier Molina.  He also intentionally walked Adron Chambers.  By the end of the inning, the Cards had scored two and would force Volquez out of the game.

The only offense the Padres could muster were singles by Yonder Alonso and Blake Tekotte, and doubles by Andy Parrino and Edinson Volquez.  Parrino was the padres only baserunner to advance to third base.  It was a poor offensive showing, but Adam Wainwright was clearly on his game.

“The emotion came from knowing that it’s been over a year since I’ve done that, since I’ve really felt locked in on the mound like that,” Wainwright said. “It was a huge sense of relief, huge sense of feeling blessed. I’ve worked very hard to get back to where I am. It’s some acknowledgement to the hard work.”

In what should be the rubber match of the series had the Padres held their late lead in game one of the series will now be San Diego’s final shot at avoiding the sweep.  At 5:15 PT, Jeff Suppan will take on Lance Lynn.

For all your Padres news and discussions follow us on Twitter @ChickenFriars, follow me on Twitter@the5_5Hole, and like our Facebook page.