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Jeff Suppan aims for lucky No. 13 on Wednesday as the Cardinals play what will -- or won't -- be their final game in the state of Florida this season.
Suppan wraps up the regular-season series between the Cards and Marlins, but there's a decent chance these two teams could be meeting in October. St. Louis is running away with the National League Central, while Florida is right in the mix for the NL Wild Card. If the Marlins make the postseason, they are almost assured of facing the Redbirds.
If Suppan picks up the win, it will be his 13th of the season -- the second-highest total of his career, behind only last season. He's been pitching well for the most part lately, posting a 3.03 ERA over five August starts, but he hasn't had the results to show for it -- going 2-3 for the month. Suppan hasn't allowed more than four runs in a start since June 30.
Rookie left-hander Jason Vargas will pitch for the Marlins. Vargas, 22, is coming off a rough game against the Cubs at Wrigley, but over his previous four starts, he permitted a total of six runs. Vargas has held left-handed hitters to a .192 average and hasn't allowed a home run in his 43 2/3 big league innings.
Pitching matchup
STL: RHP Jeff Suppan
• 12-10, 4.02 ERA in 2005
• 0-1, 5.40 vs. FLA in 2005
FLA: LHP Jason Vargas
• 5-1, 3.16 ERA in 2005
• First career appearance vs. STL
Player to watch
Yadier Molina has been at his best against left-handed pitching this season. He's hitting .346 against southpaws with a .469 slugging percentage.
Quotable
"I can't say how close at hand because I don't know." -- Reggie Sanders, on when he might return to the active roster
Quick hits
Suppan has a 2.50 ERA in three career starts (18 innings) at Dolphins Stadium. ... The Cardinals have outscored opponents, 102-62, in the first inning this year. ... St. Louis is 21-21 in series finales. ... Suppan has scored three runs this year, equaling a career high, and his four RBIs are a new personal best.
Suppan wraps up the regular-season series between the Cards and Marlins, but there's a decent chance these two teams could be meeting in October. St. Louis is running away with the National League Central, while Florida is right in the mix for the NL Wild Card. If the Marlins make the postseason, they are almost assured of facing the Redbirds.
If Suppan picks up the win, it will be his 13th of the season -- the second-highest total of his career, behind only last season. He's been pitching well for the most part lately, posting a 3.03 ERA over five August starts, but he hasn't had the results to show for it -- going 2-3 for the month. Suppan hasn't allowed more than four runs in a start since June 30.
Rookie left-hander Jason Vargas will pitch for the Marlins. Vargas, 22, is coming off a rough game against the Cubs at Wrigley, but over his previous four starts, he permitted a total of six runs. Vargas has held left-handed hitters to a .192 average and hasn't allowed a home run in his 43 2/3 big league innings.
Pitching matchup
STL: RHP Jeff Suppan
• 12-10, 4.02 ERA in 2005
• 0-1, 5.40 vs. FLA in 2005
FLA: LHP Jason Vargas
• 5-1, 3.16 ERA in 2005
• First career appearance vs. STL
Player to watch
Yadier Molina has been at his best against left-handed pitching this season. He's hitting .346 against southpaws with a .469 slugging percentage.
Quotable
"I can't say how close at hand because I don't know." -- Reggie Sanders, on when he might return to the active roster
Quick hits
Suppan has a 2.50 ERA in three career starts (18 innings) at Dolphins Stadium. ... The Cardinals have outscored opponents, 102-62, in the first inning this year. ... St. Louis is 21-21 in series finales. ... Suppan has scored three runs this year, equaling a career high, and his four RBIs are a new personal best.
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