The Los Angeles Dodgers staged an improbable rally for two runs in the top of the ninth inning to beat the St. Louis Cardinals in the opening game of a three-game series at Busch Stadium. Aaron Miles hit a game-tying triple into the right field gap, then scored on a ground ball by Rod Barajas, a play that was booted by ex-Dodger Rafael Furcal. The ninth inning represented a dramatic change from the first eight innings, which were owned by Chris Carpenter.
Carpenter allowed no runs through eight innings, which is par for the course for Carpenter against the Dodgers. He was removed after hitting Juan Rivera to open the ninth inning, and eventually allowed a run, but Carpenter still owns the Dodgers. In his last eight starts against the Dodgers, Carpenter has allowed just five runs and five walks. Total.
But Carpenter didn't get a win on Monday night.
Nathan Eovaldi allowed one run in five innings in his fourth major league start, a home run to Lance Berkman in the second inning. The Dodger bullpen -- Josh Lindblom, Scott Elbert, Matt Guerrier, and Javy Guerra tonight -- retired 12 of the 13 batters they faced to close out the game. The Dodgers are now 2-62 this season when trailing to start the ninth inning.
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