Ankiel Legend Grows in 16-4 Win

Pitcher-come-slugger drives in 7 for key victory
By Max Brallier,  Newser User
Posted Sep 7, 2007 3:12 AM CDT
Ankiel Legend Grows in 16-4 Win
St. Louis Cardinals' Rick Ankiel watches his first home run of the game during the second inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, in St. Louis. Ankiel hit a second homer in the fifth inning. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)   (Associated Press)

Ex-pitcher-turned-slugger Rick Ankiel continued his story-book season last night, breaking open a tie game against the Pirates in the 2nd with a two-run homer and finishing the game with a career-high 7 RBIs.  The Cardinals ended up trouncing the Pirates 16-4. On the seven-game home stand Ankiel's batting .440 with 19 homers, 5 homers, and 11 runs. 

"He's been putting up Nintendo numbers," said a teammate.  Ankiel's performance was particularly impressive considering the timing—the Cardinals are just a game out of first place in the National League Central, making every game a near must-win. Kelvin Jimenez got the win, striking out Jason Bay with the bases loaded in the second and the score tied up. (More St. Louis Cardinals stories.)

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