You know, it’s been a while since we’ve talked about Ryan Madson’s ability to handle the ninth inning. Why not start that fun little controversy over again?
Madson blew up in epic fashion in last night’s 8-4 loss to the Nationals, giving up six runs in the bottom of the ninth inning. After allowing four straight singles to tie the ballgame, he served up a walkoff grand slam to Ryan Zimmerman. It was just his second blown save of the season and brought his ERA from 2.06 to 3.25 on the year.
Zimmerman now has three career grand slams and eight walkoff home runs. Though he was slowed during the first half of the season with an abdominal injury, the 26-year-old third baseman is batting .352/.404/.552 with five homers, 18 RBI and a .956 OPS since the All-Star break.
Your Friday box scores:
Cardinals 4, Cubs 5 (10 innings)