Lefty, I understand what you are saying, but there is no guarantee that the starter would have gotten the next batter he faced either.

And you also have your facts wrong:


ST. LOUIS 5TH
-M Matheny grounded out to shortstop.
-W Williams doubled to deep right.
-T Womack grounded out to shortstop, W Williams to third.
-L Walker doubled to left, W Williams scored.
-A Pujols walked.
-C Qualls relieved B Backe.
-S Rolen singled to left, L Walker scored, A Pujols to second.
-J Edmonds struck out swinging.
So that's only (yeah, I used the word only to describe this) 1 run, on a single to the (before this at bat) struggling Rolen.


ST. LOUIS 5TH
-M Matheny struck out swinging.
-M Anderson hit for M Morris.
-M Anderson walked.
-T Womack grounded into fielder's choice to third, M Anderson out at second.
-T Womack stole second.
-L Walker homered to right, T Womack scored.
-A Pujols singled to shallow center.
-C Harville relieved P Munro.
-S Rolen homered to left, A Pujols scored.
-J Edmonds struck out swinging.

So that's only 2 runs, on a homerun to the now HOT Rolen.


Basically, the reliever gave up a hit to the first batter he faced (Rolen) both times. He then got the next batter (Edmonds) both times, and both by strike out. So I see two conclusions, (1) Rolen has been beating us, and (2) it hasn't been that the reliever couldn't finish the inning that he came in. It's more of a case of the relievers aren't any good.

Thanks for listening.
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How come we choose from just two people to run for president and 50 for Miss America?