St. Louis Cardinals’ Tony La Russa frustrated after losing Game 5 – MLB Update
St. Louis Cardinals’ manager Tony La Russa expressed immense disappointment after losing 2-4 against Texas Rangers in Game 5 of the World Series on Monday, October 24 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, largely because of his own mistake which led to confusion
in the bull-pen.
La Russa has not stayed behind in using his bull-pen during the regular season, but using Mitchell Boggs was a rarity. Fernando Salas and Marc Rzepczynski had been effective in pitching through the middle innings and handing the lead over to Jason Motte,
who has established himself as a seasoned closer for the Redbirds.
In an unanticipated move, La Russa handed the ball to Boggs, who had rarely hurled in the postseason and a three-run homer against him in the onset of his spell extended the deficit to 0-4 in game 4.
The manager pointed to Albert Pujols for being his main man in the line-up and that he has given the player the leeway of calling games. He clarified that Pujols has been the best player he has witnessed during his managerial career and has proved himself
as one of the best hit and run player on the circuit.
Explaining how Pujols manages to give the sign, La Russa laughed and stressed that sometimes he clearly gives the sign and otherwise, gives it to someone else so as to avoid limelight.
Talking about the miscommunication in the bull-pen, La Russa said, “But for sure when there's stuff that went on in that inning with the bullpen and who's up and who's not, that's miscommunication. In the end that comes totally on the coach, or the manager.
I explained yesterday what was going on, and to the extent that what I wanted to have happen wasn't happening, didn't happen, yeah, that's my fault. I don't need to dodge that, ever.”
Pujols was given three intentional walks and La Russa was not concerned by this situation. He said that the line-up is versatile and it is usually hard to walk Pujols with bases loaded. Furthermore, Lance Berkman and David Freese are usually protecting Albert
and thus there is always a chance of taking lead against the opposition.
With 2-3 down in the seven-game series, the Cardinals will go all-out in Game 6 to keep themselves in contention for the crown.
Tags: