Cardinals vs. Padres, May 19

Monday night was a textbook example of the way the Cardinals are capable of playing. They pounded out 16 hits and won 8-2 in the opener at San Diego.

Starting pitcher Todd Wellemeyer was solid, the defense did a nice job and the offense not only scored a lot of runs, but it kept working throughout the game. So many times the Cardinals score three or four early and then seem like they go into defensive mode. This time, they answered the Padres attempts to get back into the game with rallies of their own and refused to let things get out of their control.

The Cardinals lack of power has been perplexing this season. But the muscles were flexing big time Monday when Albert Pujols hit two tape measure blasts, Ryan Ludwick corked one and even Cesar Izturis was able to dent the home run column for the first time in a couple of years.

I'm still waiting for Troy Glaus to get involved, however. While he has been relatively productive, until he starts to put some fear of an instant rally into the hearts of opposing pitchers, he's not going to have the desired effect on the batters in front of him in the order. Hopefully the way he is making contact lately is a sign the power will be arriving soon.

Albert's ESPN worthy night earns him View From the Cheap Seats Star of the Game honors. The Lowlight goes to Mark Mulder who we learned Monday is still nowhere close to helping the Cardinals on the field.

All in all, the game was well worth staying up for.