Cardinals have historic inning
For one inning, the St. Louis Cardinals could do no wrong.
The Cardinals tied a major league record with 10 straight hits in a 10-run fifth inning, with pitcher Braden Looper and Aaron Miles getting two apiece in a 10-5 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday night in St. Louis.
“That’s momentum like I’ve never seen before,” said Ryan Ludwick, who homered in the big fifth. “It’s just an incredible inning.”
Looper opened the inning with a single to center and then with the Cardinals up 8-3 bunted for another hit. Miles followed Looper twice with singles, the latter driving in a run.
The streak was broken when David Eckstein hit a sacrifice fly and So Taguchi ended the inning by grounding into a double play.
Martinez getting close
Pedro Martinez will make his first rehab start for New York on Wednesday at Port St. Lucie, Fla., as he attempts to return to the Mets’ rotation after off-season shoulder surgery.
The 35-year-old Martinez had his rotator cuff repaired in October and has been working toward a return all season. The right-hander first threw to batters on June 26.
Bonds’ ratings low
Barry Bonds’ record-tying 755th home run wasn’t seen by a whole lot of baseball fans.
Saturday night’s game on ESPN2, which began after 10 p.m. EDT, received a 1.1 overnight cable rating, which translates to about 1 million households. New York Mets pitcher Tom Glavine drew a wider audience for his 300th win Sunday night, receiving a 3.0 overnight cable rating, about 2.7 million households.
Clearing the bases
Chicago Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano went on the 15-day disabled list a day after straining his right quadriceps against the New York Mets. … St. Louis’ Mike Maroth was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of tendinitis in his left elbow. Lefty reliever Tyler Johnson was activated from the DL. … The New York Yankees promoted pitcher Jim Brower from the minors and designated left-hander Mike Myers for assignment. … The Colorado Rockies optioned catcher Chris Iannetta to Triple-A Colorado Springs and purchased the contract of catcher Edwin Bellorin from Colorado Springs.